• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic G7 advantages over Olympus E-PL9

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video

Olympus E-PL9 advantages over Panasonic G7

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 77 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    6 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 240 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    8.6 fps vs 6.6 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic G7

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-PL9

Review Excerpt

  • Compact and lightweight for a fully-featured interchangeable-lens camera; Really fast autofocus; Good all-around performance too; Generous buffer depth; Versatile tilt/swivel LCD and high-res viewfinder; Touch-screen controls; Very affordable pricetag

  • Out of the box, colors are muted by consumer standards; Warm white balance under incandescent light; Handgrip is a little shallow for those with larger hands; Wi-Fi is overly complex and has limited range

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-M1

Panasonic G7
Olympus E-M1
  • $665
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-M1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Panasonic GH4

Panasonic G7
Panasonic GH4
  • $665
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • NFC
Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic GH4
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GX8

Panasonic G7
Panasonic GX8
  • $665
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • NFC
Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic GX8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Internal flash
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Panasonic G7
Panasonic GX85
  • $665
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic GX85
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Panasonic G7
Olympus E-PL8
  • $665
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3
Compare Other Cameras?