Panasonic GH2 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 – which is better?

Now that Olympusis beginning to become available to some parts of the world, more user feedback are becoming available around the world (well, so far, mostly in South/East Asia) as well. So how doescompare to Panasonic?    

Olympusadvantages:

In-boby-image-stabilization (IBIS)- E-M5 features first time for Olympus, a 5-axis IBIS mechanism. Based on the reviews and reports around the net, the conclusion is that this version of IBIS easily offers at least another additional step over the existing versions found in. IBIS found in smaller bodies such asandare even less effective. Of course, the GH2 offers no IBIS, hence for most of the prime lenses, IS simply isn’t available.

EVF with IBIS correction – E-M5 applies IBIS before showing the results to the EVF. This means you can enjoy shake free results when you view scenes through your EVF. This of course, works with all lenses.

Better high ISO performances - For the first time, Olympus can claim that their model performs better in the high-end ISO than Panasonic models. Some will argue against this, but there are several samples that have been circulating around the net that proves that E-M5 produces better IQ compare to the GH2, both in ISO3200, ISO6400 and higher levels. E-M5′s ISO6400 files are very usable.

Weather seal - not water proof but splash proof. So you can use it in the rain but don’t do under-water photography with the stock E-M5!

Faster auto-focusing – E-M5 is the latest m43 model and it is the flagship for Olympus, so naturally, it will use the fastest processor available for m43, resulting in faster auto-focus performance. GH2 is one year old after all. GH3 may change this picture when it is out later this year.

“Better” JPEG engine - this is rather subjective since you will always find people who prefer Panasonic rendered JPEG pictures. But majority prefers Olympus color tones which tend to be a bit more vivid and sharper. Many Olympus JPEG users never touch RAW files while many Panasonic users tend to do more post processing.

Olympus color - just as the case for JPEG files, Olympus RAW files also offer colors that are preferred by the majority. This means less post processing for some people.

More correct AWB - once again somewhat subjective but most agree that Olympus nails this more often than Panasonic models. E-M5 won’t be an exception to this.

Retro look – obviously this is highly subjective. If you like the retro look, E-M5 will appeal to you.

Twin control wheels - E-M5 offers two wheel controls while GH2 offers only one. Two isn’t always better than one, but in this case, both bodies are targeted to enthusiasts who tend to prefer more direct controls over functions.

Smoother EVF – E-M5′s readout speed is much faster than GH2′s, working at 240Hz. One of the advantage of having this faster read-out speed is faster EVF refresh rate. This results in less flickers and smoother motions.

Better LCD – E-M5 uses OLED with more vivid colors and wider viewing angles. GH2 uses older lower resolution LCD screen.

Better touch screen technology – E-M5′s touch screen is capacitive, rather than based on GH2′s resistive technology. This means E-M5 will react to light finger taps and register touches more consistently. One potential issue with capacitive screen is that it won’t react to your finger if you have a glove on. Resistive screens will react to pressure so if you press it hard enough it will react to any sharp objects.

Smaller but stronger body – E-M5 is smaller, without sacrificing the strength or durability. Due to all-metal construction, E-M5 isn’t all that much lighter than GH2, however.

Auto-ISO in M-mode – this is an important flexibility for some people. GH2 doesn’t offer this.

More focus areas - E-M5 offers 35 areas while GH2 offers only 23.

Wireless Sync Speed - E-M5 offers 1/250s wireless sync speed. GH2 can only do 1/160s.

Wireless Flash System - E-M5′s (or the entire Olympus line of m43 bodies for that matter) is much better than Panasonic’s, including the GH2′s.

Bluetooth module - E-M5 offers bluetooth module, while GH2 doesn’t offer such option.

Live bulb mode – so what does this do? when you switch the camera into a “live bulb mode”, E-M5 will periodically update the display, showing how the sensor is exposed all the time. Should be useful for scenes such as fireworks.

Availability of optional grips - E-M5 offers both portrait and landscape grips if needed. These grips not only offer better grips, it also offers better battery life as well. GH2 offers none.

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