Panasonic Lumix GH5 vs OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark II
OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark II has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Lumix GH5 is the better pick for vlogging; the Olympus E-M1 Mark II is better for wildlife, sports.
Choose the Lumix GH5 for
- stronger video (4K 60p 10-bit)
- a newer design (2017)
Choose the Olympus E-M1 Mark II for
- faster bursts (60fps vs 12fps)
- a lighter body (574g vs 725g)
- a lower price (from £329)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Lumix GH5 | Olympus E-M1 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds, 20MP | Micro Four Thirds, 20MP |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Released | 2017 | 2016 |
| Burst | 12 fps | 60 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 60p 10-bit | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 725 g | 574 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 | £414–509 | £329–499 |
| 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 | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | Olympus E-M1 Mark II |
| Sports & action | Olympus E-M1 Mark II |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | Lumix GH5 |
| 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 GH5 compatible lenses → · Olympus E-M1 Mark II compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Panasonic Lumix GH5 better than the OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark II?
It depends on your priorities. The Lumix GH5 offers stronger video (4K 60p 10-bit), a newer design (2017); the Olympus E-M1 Mark II offers faster bursts (60fps vs 12fps), a lighter body (574g vs 725g), a lower price (from £329).
Which is better for video, the Lumix GH5 or the Olympus E-M1 Mark II?
The Lumix GH5 is stronger for video: Lumix GH5 records 4K 60p 10-bit, Olympus E-M1 Mark II records 4K 30p.
Which is cheaper, the Lumix GH5 or the Olympus E-M1 Mark II?
The Lumix GH5 costs No longer sold new new and from £414 used at MPB; the Olympus E-M1 Mark II costs No longer sold new new and from £329 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Panasonic Lumix GH5 lenses on the Olympus E-M1 Mark II?
Yes. Both use the Micro Four Thirds mount.