OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix GX80
OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark II has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Olympus E-M1 Mark II is the better pick for landscapes, wildlife, sports; the Lumix GX80 is better for travel, a film look.
Choose the Olympus E-M1 Mark II for
- more resolution (20MP vs 16MP)
- faster bursts (60fps vs 8fps)
- a lower price (from £329)
- weather sealing
Choose the Lumix GX80 for
- a lighter body (426g vs 574g)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Olympus E-M1 Mark II | Lumix GX80 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds, 20MP | Micro Four Thirds, 16MP |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Released | 2016 | 2016 |
| Burst | 60 fps | 8 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 574 g | 426 g |
| Battery | OM System BLH-1 | Panasonic DMW-BLG10E |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | SD (UHS-I) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £329–499 | £334–404 |
| Native lenses in our database | 22 (8 third-party) | 22 (8 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | Lumix GX80 |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | Olympus E-M1 Mark II |
| Wildlife & animals | Olympus E-M1 Mark II |
| Sports & action | Olympus E-M1 Mark II |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | Lumix GX80 |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount, so lenses move between them. Batteries: OM System BLH-1 (about £79) vs Panasonic DMW-BLG10E (about £50).
Olympus E-M1 Mark II compatible lenses → · Lumix GX80 compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark II better than the Panasonic Lumix GX80?
It depends on your priorities. The Olympus E-M1 Mark II offers more resolution (20MP vs 16MP), faster bursts (60fps vs 8fps), a lower price (from £329); the Lumix GX80 offers a lighter body (426g vs 574g).
Which is better for video, the Olympus E-M1 Mark II or the Lumix GX80?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p vs 4K 30p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Olympus E-M1 Mark II or the Lumix GX80?
The Olympus E-M1 Mark II costs No longer sold new new and from £329 used at MPB; the Lumix GX80 costs No longer sold new new and from £334 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark II lenses on the Lumix GX80?
Yes. Both use the Micro Four Thirds mount.