Panasonic Lumix G9 vs OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark III
OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark III has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Lumix G9 is the better pick for sports; the Olympus E-M1 Mark III is better for travel, landscapes, wildlife.
Choose the Lumix G9 for
- a lower price (from £399)
- stronger video (4K 60p)
Choose the Olympus E-M1 Mark III for
- faster bursts (60fps vs 20fps)
- a lighter body (580g vs 658g)
- a newer design (2020)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Lumix G9 | Olympus E-M1 Mark III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds, 20MP | Micro Four Thirds, 20MP |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Released | 2018 | 2020 |
| Burst | 20 fps | 60 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 60p | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 658 g | 580 g |
| Battery | Panasonic DMW-BLF19E | OM System BLH-1 |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £399–459 | £504–554 |
| 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 | Olympus E-M1 Mark III |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | Olympus E-M1 Mark III |
| Wildlife & animals | Olympus E-M1 Mark III |
| Sports & action | Lumix G9 |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
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: Panasonic DMW-BLF19E (about £65) vs OM System BLH-1 (about £79).
Lumix G9 compatible lenses → · Olympus E-M1 Mark III compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Panasonic Lumix G9 better than the OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark III?
It depends on your priorities. The Lumix G9 offers a lower price (from £399), stronger video (4K 60p); the Olympus E-M1 Mark III offers faster bursts (60fps vs 20fps), a lighter body (580g vs 658g), a newer design (2020).
Which is better for video, the Lumix G9 or the Olympus E-M1 Mark III?
The Lumix G9 is stronger for video: Lumix G9 records 4K 60p, Olympus E-M1 Mark III records 4K 30p.
Which is cheaper, the Lumix G9 or the Olympus E-M1 Mark III?
The Lumix G9 costs No longer sold new new and from £399 used at MPB; the Olympus E-M1 Mark III costs No longer sold new new and from £504 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Panasonic Lumix G9 lenses on the Olympus E-M1 Mark III?
Yes. Both use the Micro Four Thirds mount.