Panasonic G9 vs. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III: Which is the king of Micro 43?

In this head-to-head matchup we compare the Panasonic G9 to the new Olympus EM1 Mark III. Find out which one is king of the Micro Four Thirds world!
The Olympus EM1 Mark III may be the new kid on the block, but the Panasonic G9 is rocking an impressive mid-life firmware upgrade. Watch the vid for a blow-by-blow comparison.
Music provided by BeatSuite.com
www.beatsuite.com
Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
www.thecamerastore.com
-----------------------
DPReview.com is the world's largest digital camera review website. Welcome to our KZbin channel! Subscribe for new feature videos, reviews, interviews and more.
Discover the world's most in-depth digital camera reviews at www.dpreview.com

[@Everywhere2]

I don't know what amazes me more. Chris's ability to talk for five minutes without inhaling or Jordan's ability to walk backwards for five minutes without falling over the rabbits. I love you guys.

[@NoName-rg3np]

All I want is the perfect camera.

[@NanoSonicF]

why you do it , dooo it

[@yipkk]

Wrong channel man🙈

[@shastaham7630]

Good luck with that.

[@jean-pierrekueffer4298]

Perfect camera is like perfect women! What is perfect for one may not be for another and usually not for a very long time.

[@Kit2Canada]

Jean-Pierre Kueffer , JP, this quote is an “inside joke” referencing the YT Channel - Camera Conspiracies

[@perra002]

Love the straight face as he says "Starry AF" and F-ing them for taking out Desert mode.

[@twist1ne]

For anyone considering between these 2 in 2022, the G9 has received noticeably better focus performance with the 2.4 firmware update (search for videos). The face/eye (human) and animal modes are faster and more accurate.

[@bastian.michel]

But still pumping in background

[@R.Es1]

​@bastian.michel pumping in the Background? I'm not familiar with this phrase, can you break that down for me? I'd appreciate it. Thank you

[@13_cmi]

@@R.Es1I’d guess he means the wobble when it focuses. Panasonic cameras with the contrast af wiggle and go back and forth when they focus. Especially in video. Olympus doesn’t do that as much since their autofocus is awesome. But the new g9 mkii does have good autofocus. I don’t have that money so I haven’t tried it out.

[@R.Es1]

@13_cmi oooooh ok ok. Thanks for cluing me in. Yeah, that's true... the Oly epm2 that I use doesn't really pump like how I've seen other cameras do when attempting to focus. The epm2 is pretty quick to snap into focus honestly, though I've never had the opportunity of trying any other digital cameras to compare against.

[@mattyskier]

You guys are the best camera reviewers out there period. Always entertaining, thorough, and concise. Thanks for all the videos you guys pump out!

[@karls6802]

One of your best comparison reviews, I’ve seen in a long time. The features and there applications were well presented and most importantly, in context which gave the viewers a fuller understanding. Well done guys, Thanks

[@MrBobthened]

Disappointed that you didn't mention the very useful top LCD on the G9. I think it's an important part of the handling category, or at least the bells and whistles category.

[@MichaelRichards983]

Really? No one uses them any more.

[@ilmatanela1816]

@@MichaelRichards983 specially those who don't have it

[@log0log]

​@@MichaelRichards983 I have it on all of my cameras since 2001, why I should stop using it?

[@markolwick2223]

Great point. I love that top display. The other thing he didn’t mention was the power switch. On the Olympus it’s a two hand operation. On the Panasonic, it’s right on the shutter button, making it super quick to change.

[@JericTamayo]

When I first got into photography, I thought it was useless. But now that I walk around with it everywhere, I tend to use the top LCD panel just to quickly glance everything is set the way I want it to in case I need to shoot something real quick.

[@tojeemIV]

I know I'm 3 years late but this was probably the best (most helpful AND watchable) camera review video I've ever seen. Thanks for always making such great content, guys.

[@nicke8702]

I've been losing for an in-depth video comparing these two models. Thank you so much

[@jonasw5173]

Waited forever for this comparison👌👌

[@zacredacted2137]

If Panasonic would release some new m4/3 camera's with phase AF, they would conquer the world and all of it's governments.

[@mediamannaman]

Such rumors abound for the GH6.

[@rjkral]

Zac Redacted the world could use this right now

[@frankiedogturner1516]

No.

[@youknowwho9247]

I'm sure the 20 people who still think MFT is a viable system would be very interested.

[@kiyoshim9593]

or the GH5s with PDAF and Dual IBIS

[@dorkvania7212]

Good comparison. I was surprised that the image stabilization was so close! The ruggedness of Olympus is the killer feature for me, I need it for the landscape conditions I shoot in.

[@gregglassmeyer]

When I see videos reviewing the Olympus cameras, often the super control panel isn’t mentioned. You mentioned Panasonic’s “Q-menu” but neglected to mention the super control panel. I find the SCP extremely useful especially with the touchscreen where you can easily select something and use the scroll wheels to make adjustments. I do like your reviews as I know, by your presentation, that you have actually used the cameras. I also enjoy that you don’t show a bias and point out the good and bad of each camera.

[@matteooperti9113]

I'm just looking for an upgrade of my m43 entry level. I think to saving money and move on G9 🥰 Thanks a lot your video touches all the point that I'm looking for!!! The tie on AF is the key of all for me!

[@gepetto6266]

Thanks for not writing off m43 yet. Other KZbinrs have all but talked down the system. And don't even mention it anymore. But the system is absolutely perfect for travelers. Thanks🙋‍♂️

[@PaulBawby]

It's perfect for traveling and also perfect for wildlife photography 👍

[@youknowwho9247]

@@PaulBawby It's a really bad choice for wildlife. Autofocus isn't up to par with top end APS-C and full frame cameras, and since most wildlife photography happens at dawn or dusk with fairly high shutter speeds, the bad noise performance of the system makes it barely usable.

[@thewatchkeeper3619]

Landscope 360 What are you talking about!? My Olympus is perfect. It’s great. Better than my Fuji

[@joeltunnah]

@The Watchkeeper, don’t bother. “Landscope 360” is a paid shill. I think they pay him per comment. He leaves them on just about every micro four thirds KZbin video.

[@youknowwho9247]

@@joeltunnah Yeah, I can't even figure out where in my house to put the next load of cash when the money truck arrives again. Or maybe I just list some facts you don't like because of your emotional attachment to a camera system and perceive any criticism of it as illegitimate due to your biases.

[@meredithpottery]

Great to have the comparison of the two cameras. Thank you.

[@nosaki]

I own the G9 and I'm planning to master the f@#& out of it during quarantine...no upgrades for me till I can operate this thing with my eyes closed.

[@problemat1que]

That is the way. Too many people expecting the next purchase to magically enable them to create images without using their brain.

[@rreichar1]

Thanks for the micro four thirds content! Other folks are mostly telling us how dead it’s about to be.

[@vonPeter_]

Don't listen to Tony Northrup, he is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Going one step further on his logic, Leica is not just simply dead but Leica is the Lord of the undead army because of their market share is so marginal.

[@keithrjoseph9528]

For 90% of camera enthusiasts the Olympus m43 is good enough for most of your video and photo needs. There is the added bonus of ultra compact pro lenses which is something you'll appreciate if you travel light

[@LegendaryGauntlet]

Didnt they predict the impending death of the format about every year since 2009 ? I stopped counting after a while...

[@youknowwho9247]

MFT has the smallest market share of all interchangable lens camera systems, and it's declining the fastest. So yeah, it's absolutely fair and reasonable to call it irrelevant at this point.

[@LegendaryGauntlet]

@@youknowwho9247 It's definitely not declining, wtf is that nonsense

[@peterlemke3468]

Nice to see DPReview playing again in the M43 space. The G9 is a total bargain especially after the latest firmware update goodies Panasonic delivered. It also can be purchased at half the price of the newer EM1 MKIII.

[@BenFox01]

Such a bargain!

[@youknowwho9247]

The G9 costs about the same as the EOS RP, which produces significantly nicer images. I don't know in what world a thousand bucks for a consumer grade camera is a bargain. No MFT body should cost above 750 bucks.

[@hungryllama4055]

@@youknowwho9247 You don't know what you're talking about.

[@youknowwho9247]

@@hungryllama4055 Yeah, I only shoot professionally and have used every system out there. But who cares? If what someone says doesn't fit your own world view, better disregard it.

[@helio-c2525]

​@@hungryllama4055 not sure if you have seen David Thorpes take down of this Landscope guy (he really must of ticked David off!). To quote David "As for your credentials, you don't have any, do you? I invite you to take a look at your channel page - 2 snapshots, the landscape boring and technically poor in spite of all your 'expertise'. You say you use FF for landscape. You are not telling me that was made on a FF camera, are you? - until I saw that I thought you might have an interesting point to make"

[@theosphilusthistler712]

13:50 Chris narrowly escapes being mauled by a dangerous Canadian hop-bear.

[@Gynra]

Between Canadian hop-bears and Australian drop-bears, it ain't safe to go to the Colonies any more!

[@MW-ut3dk]

Especially after consuming maple cream cookies.

[@hankroest6836]

I think that was an Esquilax: which is "a mythical horse with the back half of a rabbit and the front half of a rabbit."

[@jimgraves4197]

Run Away!

[@MW-ut3dk]

Tom Cass Brother Maynard the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch! 1,2,4... no 3!

[@teridzard1776]

The biggest advantage both cameras have is that I don’t need to change my glass, no matter which one I’d prefer. I can just choose the body I prefer at the time and if I like the model of the other brand more in the next generation it will work with my glass as well. That is something none of the competitors has to offer. Thx for the video.

[@joeltunnah]

They’re not 100% compatible. Olympus lenses on Lumix bodies won’t use the depth from defocus tech or dual IS. Aperture dials on Lumix lenses don’t work on Olympus bodies.

[@jaywalker.]

Whoa, how long has Chris been doing reviews here? I watched almost every video on the Camera Store account, and I'm glad to see you, here.

[@onesuper9457]

I am using the G9 for sports photography for over 2 years now. Excellent for stills. For video however it's a different ball game. 95% of the shots are ruined by a little wobble at critical moments when using autofokus. Manual focus is fine. The video image quality is also excellent. What we need is a video from Jordan showing us how to skillfully film quick moving action shots using manual focus and the 12-60 f2.8-f4 lens or a 12-35. Examples of Chris running zig zag or circles or triangles would be nice. Or basketball. After Jordan has shared his wisdom we may never wish for a laser phase autofokus ever again. Thanks

[@razvanyke]

Great video again, I like very much that "Shot on xxx" at the beginning . Would be nice to see it on all videos.

[@AstroLaVista]

Awesome review guys, always very entertaining and very well considered. I like the sound of the Starry Sky as F++k mode.

[@riddles1137]

Not many out there who can give a review as well as you my friend, well done and thank you.

[@gotopcpanik]

Live Composite is a killer-feature since the first E-M10. I used it a lot. I missed it after switching to the G9. Thank you for the comparison between the two.

[@RichardBiederman]

I agree with this. Panasonic has a Live Composite mode on the new G90/G95, so there is some hope it will come to G9 in next firmware update. Panny has been great with updating firmware on this camera.

[@lensippel]

@@RichardBiederman i have em10mk2 Just for live composite Mode. A g9mk2 would bei nice with unlimited 4k...

[@gotopcpanik]

@@RichardBiederman Does it work like LC in the Olympus Cameras? Or are there any limitations, like JPEG only. I don't know the 2.0 Firmware of the G9 (sold it some weeks before the release of FW 2.0), but a bunch of features were JPEG only in the Panasonic, while there is RAW Support in the Olympus.

[@bradleyanderson247]

It's a really nice feature and it's really the one thing I really wish the G9 had.

[@Mrhullsie2]

That is one feature that is making my choice more difficult. If it was introduced as a firmware update I suspect it would be G9 all the way for me, still may be given the price difference.

[@rjkral]

Kasey can have his “Toneh’s”. Chris is bringin’ the “Starry AFs!!!”

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

Kasey showing off the beautiful Olympus color science though

[@baihu4u]

The ultimate takeaway from this video; use whichever matches your preferences because the differences between the 2 are very marginal. And yet while both cameras are extremely capable and versatile tools, Olympus (E-m1) fans are not thrilled at all to hear the most trusted camera reviewers on KZbin not tell them their 2020 $1700 E-m1 mkIII is not 2 yrs more 'advanced' than the 2018 $1000 Panasonic G9; instead rather equal. Imagine that. I do understand.

[@Leptospirosi]

Just imagine what Pansonic and Olympus could do with a sensor not 6 years old

[@TB-up4xi]

I think if (big if) you're not all that interested in advanced video features the fairer comparison would be with the e-m5 mark iii. I'm not sure where the pricing is at for the US market - I am in Australia - I recently picked up a new E-M5 Mk iii body from an approved reseller with full warranty for $925 AUD ($690 USD) albeit with an eBay voucher - I was looking at the following alternatives at the time (body only in $USD) Panasonic G9 $820 E-M1 Mark ii $ 905 E-M1 Mark iii $ 1250 The E-M5 mark iii is about 2/3rds the weight of the G9, has better autofocus, better IQ and faster frame rates, higher res (but lower featured) video. It has a lower res but better contrast OLED viewfinder, lacks some of the video still capture and headphone port etc., It also lacks a top screen and the second card slot which may be critical for some. On balance I think the Olympus E-M5 Mk iii is the slightly more appealing camera for a 90%+ stills photographer and the G9 more attractive for the videographer that said - priced equally, I might have purchased for the G9 for the top screen and second card slot and traded some of the features above for it - given the OM advantages are minor at best. I agree completely I could not justify a 52% premium (for the E-M1 mark iii vs the G9) for the difference in features, but by the same token I couldn't justify the almost 20% premium for the G9 over the E-M5 mark iii .

[@ImpManiac]

Another great video. Interesting comparison. Thanks, guys. 🙂 Paul 😎

[@twraia]

Good video as usually. Low light AF would've been nice though

[@libork8106]

Well said . I enjoyed your detailed comparison . Thank you

[@Woodenarrows]

Great video guys. You've just added to my "unable to decide" list :-) I have the Olympus E-M1 Mk II and was considering the E-M1 Mk III however, I'm one who just wants good normal photos and the $600 difference between the two cameras is a big factor.

[@BoyarsMedia]

For "normal photos" I think you can make a bigger difference with a new lens.

[@robertmueller6979]

The mk ii is good enough for me

[@paulhigginsphotography]

Great video folks. 100% agree with pretty much all comments. I got my G9 a few months back after a head-to-head with the EM1 ii. The Panny does have star autofocus too, but I only found out about it a few weeks back, not well publicised. It works well for star shots. I had an EM10 mkii and the live composite was great on that. The smaller size of the EM1 is a big plus as well (is the mkiii similar in weight to the mkii?). I like how the wifi works on the Panasonic cameras. As you mention at the end the major G9 advantage is the bang for the buck. The Olympus might have some better things but marginal and A LOT MORE EXPENSIVE.

[@LE672AJ]

Both cams are pretty nice, especially the G9 after the firmware update.

[@Autotrope]

Micro four thirds is just getting warmed up, now that they are including PDAF on newer ones, including the G9 mk II

[@laika25]

Great review!

[@trevoryounger2107]

look at Chris go! dropping F bombs everywhere!!!

[@misterpimlott6330]

❤

[@michaelc2528]

Very good review! I've owned both in the past and found them both to be very nice!

[@1717jbs]

Great review. Thanks.

[@deustechmachina6061]

The Olympus is a great camera, no doubt about it. For me the choice was a simple one. For less than the price of the Olympus body alone, I got a G9 with the PL 12-60 f/2.8-4 lens. Factor in the 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording, 4k60 and FHD at 180fps, along with a better LVF, the LCD top plate and far better menu system, the G9 is the clear winner. By the way, I'm not sure why the hi-res mode is listed as "tripod only" since I am able to quite successfully use it handheld. I just went outside and snapped a hi-res photo at 12mm, f/2.8, ISO 200, 1/60s of some flowers on my porch handheld.

[@eduardocardona6608]

The handled high res mode works great or barely great? Are you using it at 80mp? Im courious to know because its listed as tripod only...

[@deustechmachina6061]

@@eduardocardona6608 it is indeed listed as tripod only. I use it handheld at 80mp in mode 2. To be fair, I only have the 12-60 PL lens, so I have no experience with it on any other glass. I'm sure if I were to use longer focal lengths, the high-res mode would become more unusable. Given the choice, I'll use a tripod, but handheld it produces perfectly acceptable results.

[@problemat1que]

That is very true now. Just don't forget the time axis - the Oly will drop but the Pana will drop only so far. Eventually they might end up at the same price.

[@deustechmachina6061]

@@problemat1que I'm sure the Olympus will drop in price at some point in the future. After all, the G9 had a release price of $1699 USD as well. The Olympus might also get firmware updates in the future allowing for better video (just like the G9 did last year). Assuming both of those things happen, then the comparison would be much closer; however, at the current time in its current state, the G9 is the winner in my opinion. Obviously Chris is just too upset about the loss of cute dessert to see clearly :).

[@bugsygoo]

13:50 Perfect timing for cute main course to enter the frame!

[@snowwalker9999]

Another great fun review. What's not to like about you guys? I just expected a little more from Jordan between these two cameras. Things like rolling shutter, IQ, AF in slow mo., colour etc.

[@hiroshtateishi4212]

I have both models: G9 for videos and E-M1 for photos. Thanks to the lightweight and the compactness, carrying two cameras and some lenses is not a burden for me.

[@videojeroki]

The Olympus EM1 mk3 (or 2) with a 17mm f/1.2 is my dream combo. Waiting for a good second hand opportunity :)

[@garybrown9719]

Em1 markii or em1 markiii I have the panasonic 12mm and 42.5mm Love these lens 12mm =24mm my Favorite length

[@log0log]

instead of EM1 mk3 + 17mm f/1.2, go for G9 + Sigma 16/1.4... leftover ~ $1300-1500 spend for whatever you like: for some more lenses (30/1.4 + 56/1.4 + 75/1.8) or for a vacation.

[@videojeroki]

@@log0log Good point :) Since it is my dream combo, the extra lens or vacation are part of other dreams ;)

[@kamilrakowski23]

@@videojeroki 17 1.2 is probably the best lens I've ever had. Don't even compare a sigma to an olympus. I had the whole sigma trio and only 56 1.4 left. 16mm is a joke. Don't belive the hype. 56 1.4 is great. 30mm is worse, but 16mm is really bad. LaCa, Fringering, slow afc, no contrast compared to 17mm 1.2 and useless focus by wire vs great manual focus clutch. Just wait and save some money or try to rent booth.

[@hankroest6836]

EM1.3 + P/L 10-25/1.7 is my "dream" combo, and my "reality" combo is, EM5.3 + Lumix 20mm/f1.7

[@pmperry7702]

You cannot expect modern technology to keep up with the blinding agility of Jordan.

[@cameralabs]

Nicely done, I enjoyed that!

[@ofmetalphilosophy4837]

You're a real big fan of MFT Gordon

[@fellowcitizen]

Gordon, it's imperative that you dedicate a tutorial to Starry AF at the earliest opportunity ;)

[@niccollsvideo]

Thanks so much Gordon!

[@peterlemke3468]

C'mon Gordon you came for Chris' beautiful hair and stayed for the camera reviews.

[@fellowcitizen]

@@niccollsvideo Collab...! Maybe invite Gordon to WA+/-CA on the Amazon tab ;)

[@gerrymac5865]

Great review guys I have both the smaller brothers of these cameras the G95 & om-d 5 mkiii so was very interested in ur results, stay safe 👍 📷

[@BenFox01]

Which is ur fave Gerry? I compared the G9 & the em5 mk3 too, but was considering the G95 for a smaller portable option... The Olympus let me down on the video side...

[@vonPeter_]

I don't know where you live, but in most countries the G9 is barely cost more than a G90/G95 when it's on sale and gives you way-way more features and better video with the firmware 2.0 update.

[@sdhute]

If you already have glass the g9 is the best deal especially over the g95. I purchased a g95 because I did not have glass. However I now have several lenses and never use the kit. I should have got the g9. However the vlog is free in the g95 where it a few hundred dollar software upgrade on the g9.

[@GodfreyMann]

13:49 Love that bunny...nice touch!

[@ibarrabenjamin1]

Olympus has been creating cutting edge technologies leading the way for a while. Other brands are still struggling with face detection and touch screen while this has been implemented on Olympus cameras since long time ago. It would be a shame to see a company such as Olympus disappear, a company that has been leading on innovation and technology, that has pushed the envelope and make wonderful cameras. My best wishes to Olympus, long life! and thanks for the video, and bringing the consumers attention to these wonderful cameras.

[@robertpapps5383]

Great review, very informative, my wife does all her wildlife photography with a G85 and Leica 100-400 mm and can carry it around all day.

[@JeevesTCW]

Great video of 2 fab camera's. One point I'd like to make when comparing image stabilisation using dual IS compatible lenses is that Olympus make very few (1 or 2? not sure of figures) stabilised lenses whereas Panasonic make loads, so many possible lens choices might swing the result the other way, for example using the Oly 12-40 versus the Pana Leica 12-60 or the Oly 14-150 vs Pana 14-140 etc. Thoroughly entertaining though cheers, Rich.

[@TomVestvik]

Jordan looks fantastic!

[@wilbuzllf5057]

Switched from an E-M1.2 last year to the G9 and there is no going back. The G9 just behaves and feels like the much more modern camera, much more customizable (you can actaully choose almost any setting to work for any button unlike Olympus). EVF is miles ahead and is the usability with the dials and knobs. The Olympus is a superb camera but comparing a 2 year old camera vs a very new one says a lot of about the older camera in that it is still so competative. Thanks for the video and very well done, for me the G9 is still the clear winner but I see why you reach the conclusions you do :-)

[@MyJeanf]

Great video . I recently purchased the olympus em5 mk2 as a stills camera as I use the GH5 for video. I was so close to buying the G9 for stills but the reputation of Olympus camera as a photographers camera was to strong to resist. The zem5 is great with the live composite and live Time mode are amazing for night photography and the colour science is beautiful. How6 for video I love my GH5 and will be buying a GH5s to go with my Gh5 when the gh5 comes out and the gh5s price drops like a rock. Hopefully. Again always enjoy your videos.

[@alanplatt888]

Excellent production and comparison of cameras, food for thought. I own a EM1X & EM1 ii. I've owned the GX9 (never really got on with it) But if a G10 were to emerge it's will probably be a winner. Thanks.

[@weedeeohguy]

You are rocking guys. So rocking. But seriously, always thorough reviews. Who is guy sitting by the river and running in the park?

[@BurningDrake39]

really nicely done video

[@quiver99]

I like m43. I use Fuji and Nikon Z. Recently purchased a Panasonic gx9 using some of the m43 I still have. I love it.

[@TL-xw6fh]

I have to agree. I have both MFT and Nikon D750 FF, and I find that I use my MFT system around 85% of the time. Indeed, I find virtually little difference even viewing an A2 sized image. The key is properly exposing each image and use the best lenses for each system.

[@martyptx]

I have both the g9 and the gx9, love them both! I use the GX9 primarily for street use, and the G9 for everything else. But, I have found that I often carry both with different lens, much easier to switch cameras than lens. Works well for me.

[@peterlemke3468]

@@martyptx l'm waiting to see what the GX10 might offer. Currently use a G9 (amongst various cameras) and looked at both the GX8 and GX9 for street use. Unfortunately Panasonic both giveth and taketh away when they came out with the GX9.

[@peterlemke3468]

@@TL-xw6fh Totally agree M43 user here as well as a Nikon DX and FX DSLR user. I enjoy using them all for various projects. The G9 is a very enjoyable camera to use and some of the Olympus and Panasonic glass is really excellent.

[@TL-xw6fh]

@@peterlemke3468 G9 and E-M1 Mk ii are both great cameras!

[@mwwyatt]

Great review

[@j.s.2767]

damn, i can't believe the g9 is already 2 years old. i might pick up a used one

[@keithbrown454]

Nice camera battle. I find your videos to be very quite entertaining and interesting to watch. I surely thought the Panasonic Lumix G9 would take this win. It was good.

[@livus360visuals6]

Another great video, thank you

[@GermanViking]

G9 easy pick for me, for the price is just an amazing and fun camera to use for personal use.

[@rayjenkins2754]

I praise the ' fun ' aspect of the g9 highly. It has the best menu interface. Intuitive & quick to maneuver through. I moved away from Sony because of their archaic menu sys & no touch interface - they were a pain.

[@alanroseman]

I concede my video mistake, it was late and I was getting cranky watching the review 😬. Yes, the G9 indeed has some weaknesses, every camera body does. The simple fact remains, they were not comparing Apples to Apples. One body is half again as much as the other. If money were no object we'd all be living as we choose.. would we not? For the price, the G9 blows the Oly right out of the water. I have no axe to grind against Olympus. They have been producing fine cameras since my misspent youth. As a young man with a commercial studio we all wanted to shoot Hasselblad, but before doing so we shot Zenza Bronica, and Mamiya RB67’s when we could afford them, and the C330 and C220 because they were very good systems and we could not afford a 500C with three Zeiss lenses and 3 backs. I shot many a job with a Mamiya C330 because it was A. Great Equipment B. I could afford a set of 3 lenses, and C. I could maintain a C220 and a Rapid Omega as backup cameras all for less than the cost of the single Hasselblad kit with 2 backs and an 80mm lens. Point being, money was and is a definite object when outfitting the business, I did not compare price the way I compared image quality. We are NOT talking about a cost difference of $25. Or $100. We are talking about a significant amount of initial outlay in cash, with zero bang for the buck. 1. Image quality being the same, 2. lens options being the same… (and they are, exactly the same) one can purchase the G9 with enough cash left over to add a wonderful lens to their kit. I would advise anyone with $1600. To spend, to purchase the G9 and ad a lens to their kit. Take the advice of an old man…. Add the lens. more satisfying over the long haul. In closing I still feel the reviewer has done a disservice by not starting and ending the review with the wild and unexplainable difference in cost for zero image quality improvement. Cheers, Alan

[@youknowwho9247]

Anyone who invests 1600 bucks into MFT is insane at this point. For that money one can get a full frame kit, which is obviously a much better investment.

[@momchilyordanov8190]

Because of the price difference, if I'm buying new today, I would take the G9, frowning a bit over it's size, but still... Having said that, if AF for video is something you need or use even occasionally, the Olympus is miles ahead of any Panasonic. I say this from experience, I own both Olympus and Panasonic micro 4/3 cameras. In addition - buying a camera body is just half (if not less) of the equation. How about the lenses. My take - if you are planning to use small, cheaper primes, in order to maximize the size advantage of the system, I would go with Panasonic body and their f/1.7 lenses (15, 25 and 42.5). I find them to be sharper than the Olympus f/1.8 ones (apart from the 75, which is insanely sharp, but a niche lens few people need). If you are planing to really invest in the system and you KNOW this is what you are going to shoot in foreseeable future, the Olympus PRO zooms are simply a joy to use. I own 2 and have used 3 in total - all were great. Better than Pana equivalents in my opinion.

[@snowbike8032]

I am looking for an ergonomic lightweight camera for multiple uses with video being less of a concern. Easy to use is important to me.... so you recommend the Olympus for the lighter weight camera?

[@2ShoesPhoto]

I personally went with the Olympus E-M1 Mark III for my setup. The star focus and High Res modes really set it apart from the Panasonic. For me, it really was the right choice for me.

[@rjkral]

Pretty wild that both cameras got their own F Bomb!!! Btw Panasonic g85 has auto starry sky focus (I use it)...the g9 doesn’t? Awesome video!

[@chrisearle5323]

Excellent review. You might have noted that the E-M1ii came out about 2 years before the G9. If you'd matched that one up with the G9, it still would have won in most areas because the bells & whistles are the main difference between the mark ii and mark iii - the handheld hi-res, the starry sky, the ND filter. It's important because the E-M1ii and the G9 are almost the same price.

[@jamesredmond5616]

Excellent review of the new Olympus M1 Mark 3

[@djrbfmbfm-woa]

thx for this. great info. j.

[@intersonic]

Very good comparison as a G85 user and planning to upgrade

[@BryanSchultzitis]

Here is my thought on the hi-res mode...When I still had a G9, I would use Mode 2 handheld and rarely had any issues (as long as I was pretty still)

[@BryanSchultzitis]

Also, I used to use the 6k photo mode with an anamorphic lens to get some pretty sweet footage (no audio and only 30fps, but still!)

[@karunverma1]

Finally some m43 love from Chris & Jordan

[@alexr3620]

You had me at the title. Ditto on the grip, the Oly just feels a step above in the hand. I snagged an open-box G9 for way less than retail, after upgrading to the EM1 Mark III, so curious to see which one you crown. One important side-note. My EM1 froze several times this weekend on a sailing trip while shooting C4K 24P in the higher bitrate, so much so I had to resort to pulling the battery and may have lost some of the footage. Reaching out to Olympus to see what's up... Didn't have that issue with my previous EM1 Mark II...

[@milkod2001]

Can.t get enough of S1H footage.it.s super crisp with great colours and have very organic look.@Chris and Jordan.:what lenses are you using for video on S1H?

[@Marticulate]

I've used m43 cameras professionally for years now after switching from Nikon due to their lack of innovation, and still nothing from other manufacturers has tempted me back. Even panasonic L mount missed the mark in my opinion. MFT is just so versatile and feature packed. Although, competition is definitely coming so I'm hoping there will be a GH6 or high end Panasonic m43 camera very soon. Great video as always.

[@youknowwho9247]

Nikon has certainly been much more innovative than the MFT world. Panasonic still has no phase detect and Olympus has been recycling the EM-1 II for the past three years.

[@DustinBKerensky97]

Doing Live Comp on the Olympus is great. Makes taking pictures of lightning or long exposures of moving lights dead simple. Just shoot, wait till it looks good, and end.

[@lavapix]

I still shoot with the GH5. It might be 1950s technology but it still works great. Maybe soon a G9 too if no GH6 or G10 is coming.

[@A1Bokeh]

lol I have a g9 and want a gh5 hahah

[@taunohill6710]

I recently got a gh5 for my video work

[@Etmannon]

@@A1Bokeh lol we just bough a g9 so we tried out the gh5 and g9 tonight and both were doing great and getting awesome results.

[@A1Bokeh]

@@Etmannon oh ya they pair up perfectly!

[@A1Bokeh]

@@Etmannon I just recently got the gh5 ..really liking it

[@grahammoores7244]

Very good review

[@ChangeTomorrow]

Thanks, Chris, huge amt of info nicely disseminated.

[@glsracer]

Watch that Panasonic SW Version 2.2: Adds in Cute Dessert mode. G9 FTW either way.

[@colinthecameraguy]

I’m very happy with my G9/GH5 combo and, enough about cameras, what about that badass rabbit looking to do a Take Down from behind??

[@dantolen3969]

Olympus colors and contrast straight out of camera raw files look beautiful.

[@RobShootPhotos]

Yeah, I think the E-M1 II is a better deal considering it's more firmware updates that make the mark III however I think there is great potential for them to bring out some interesting firmware updates with the new processor. Panasonic has been so aggressive with pricing but I would pay $1,199 for the E-M1 II. I think you hit the mark about the eye relief and the UHS-II card slot difference. Those are two things they really could have upgraded. I'm not as bothered by the EVF resolution.

[@stephenhowe316]

If you want a camera to capture unplanned moments on-the-move, the Olympus Phase-Detect AF, superior stabilisation, and hand-held abilities make it a better choice. If you set out to capture planned moments without moving subjects, the G9's 10-bit video, Slomo-capability, Viewfinder, and Camera App is a better choice, and a very easy one given its price advantage.

[@mafianoodles]

Your choice. Thank you.

[@JeanV1986]

It's not like the G9 cannot capture fast moving subjects 😄 it's very competent actually.

[@youknowwho9247]

@@JeanV1986 It's continuous af is terrible compared to every other modern camera with phase detect.

[@JeanV1986]

@@youknowwho9247 as a G9 user, I agree to disagree.

[@youknowwho9247]

@@JeanV1986 There's nothing to agree or disagree about. Panasonic's contrast af is simply objectively worse than phase detect for focus tracking.

[@stephenhowe316]

For casually documenting personal experiences and journeys, I would choose the Olympus, The C4K video in Natural Profile at 24P is excellent with more reliable Phase-Detect AF, and the stabilisation is better for vlogging and tripod-less telephoto footage. The add-on functions with Live ND/Composite/Bulb/Handheld High-Res and Starry Sky round off a very intelligent package. The ergonomics are also better. You can do a lot with this camera w/o carrying other gear. The 10-Bit video and Slomo-capability of the G9 makes it a better choice for more purposeful video projects, except walking-vlogging, where the Olympus has a noticeable real-world edge in stablilisation, focus, size and audio pre-amp quality. The G9 is a great bargain, but 'a major firmware update' announced for the Olympus EM1-X next week could make a difference to the calculation if it comes to the MkIII.

[@stephenhowe316]

One big advantage for the G9 I didn't mention is their App for remote-control of their cameras with mobiles and tablets. Panasonic are much better than other Camera Apps I've seen. The choice depends on purpose. For dedicated projects, the G9 looks a clear winner, but for casual, easy, spontaneous, all-round documentary work, I would go with the Olympus.

[@EDHBlvd]

Are barbers open in Canada’s already? Your hair is on point. 👍

[@andrear9500]

They are both top notch cameras and the review was fair. I think the main reason to choose one or the the other is video capabilities. It’s also a matter of ease of use in accessing/setting features in the G9 on top of the number of features it has. Results can be good with Oly too, but you can tell it’s not video friendly. Then, the price difference comes to play...

[@EJGentleman]

I really like my G 9. I think is the best all round camera and good support from Panasonic. Update 2023. Still the best all around camera and with the new firmware updates many things have improved included autofocus. Panasonic is standing behind their designs and working to improve and now with

[@MoncefGaci]

Dz power You are the best guys Just keep.going you do somthing creative good luck From Algeria

[@oddocid9734]

Finally , a legend battle!

[@joeltunnah]

I was surprised that the E-M5iii had a better viewfinder than the E-M1iii. But you really can’t go wrong with any of the current M4/3 cameras. They’re all so great.

[@spanksen]

Thanks so much for your MFT Content, both great Cameras - but i guess the EM1MK3 is a real killer

[@KimLetkeman]

Felt a little biased at times, but you threw a really nice bone at the end to Panasonic G9, and that balance it out just about right. I'd love to own both.

[@ralphwilliams8951]

Listen, both camera are at the top of the M43 food chain and any shortcomings in their use will be as a result of the users skills (or lack thereof),, not limitations of the camera. In many a review (aside from this) and resultant comments from readers I always see a degree of "homerism" and brand bias, which is not to be unexpected. Me? Been using Oly since the first E-M5 and the Olympus landscape, menus and such are second skin to me. YMMV, it all depends. I've own/owned both (presently own an E-M1 III) and can speak to a few points. First, the assumption that the E-M1 III is "leaps and bounds more expensive" (re: the value proposition between the two)- incorrect. Esp since the release of the OM Systems OM-1, E-M1 III copies have been on the market at attractive prices; I purchased mine recently (after owning the E-M1 II) mint in the box, 2,700 shutter count, for $750. there are similar bargains to be had if you're patient and just look. Again, depends on the photographer, but HHHR and Live ND for me are invaluable. Now, on to IS- with all due respect to this review's findings, MULTIPLE review sites (just Google away) show Oly IS still to be markedly superior to Panasonic, and this holds true with the G9 even versus the E-M1 II, let alone the Mk III. Please refer to MirrorlessComparison's (very respected resource) take on IS between the G9 and E-M1 II mirrorlesscomparison.com/panasonic-vs-olympus/g9-vs-em1-mark-ii/3/ Personally, with my E-M1 III and 12-100's IS synch I'm getting 7.5 stops of stabilization. Thats real world, not marketing hype, not conjecture. The G9, whilst a great piece of kit, doesnt match the E-M1 II, let alone the E-M1 III in IS. Again, I've owned both. Now, what do I MISS about the Panny? First and most importantly (for me), the 3,680K dots EVF with .83 magnification on the G9 vs the 2,360K dots EVF with .74x magnification on the Oly. There is a difference, it's noticeable, and that very well may be a determinant for you. The Oly's viewfinder, while not as nice, still suffices for me. And of course for you videophiles, the G9 does 4K up to 60fps, with 10-bit internal recording and Full HD up to 180fps. I'm a stills oriented photagrapher, but if video is your leaning, then of course this also separates the two. Olympus is behind in video, always has been, and prospective buyers need to weigh this going in. All in all, both great cameras that do a lot of things great. It makes me smile to think how superior both of these cameras are compared to what we had ten, fifteen years ago 🙂

[@oneeyedphotographer]

There's a video where the pair talk about what the pair use for their personal photography. Chris was using a GH5. In this, they mentioned the same video differences you did, same conclusion. The stabilisation was their experience with exactly the same settings using same-brand lenses. I might also have tested both cameras with the Olympus 60mm macro lens. They are not doing highly precise lab tests, they are testing in the field, in places typical users might go, doing what typical users might do. I don't know about prices then, on eBay now, the G9 is a lot cheaper than the E-M1 III.

[@alexandermatyushkin2742]

Switched from OM-D EM-1 1st gen to G9 two years ago... can't even think about switching back...

[@atillaers9078]

hello, which camera and lens combination did u use for video? is that lens 10-25mm 1.7? good content

[@samiam9059]

Still use my E-M5 original from time to time.... great street camera only have 1800 shots on it

[@seantomlinson3320]

No idea what I'd do with a G9 nor what lenses I'd need I don't already have covered with my Nikon's, but it's still somehow appealing.

[@Jay19876]

I am surprised you didn't test the EM-1 Mark III's face and eye detect feature... It is leaps and bounds better than the EM-1 Mark II's and EM-1 X, Olympus completely redesign this feature for this camera. The AF should have gone to the Olympus in my opinion. Also, the flexibility of the center priority AF groupings and the ability to create custom AF areas is really useful for some situations. However, I definitely agree that the CAF tracking mode could be much better, but if the subject is human, well then use Oly's new and improved face and eye detect feature!

[@PaintedCloudsStudio]

Agree. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZfKlGWujtSMe68