Micro 43 is a crowded market with many excellent cameras like Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Vs Panasonic G9. These cameras suit many people, including budget shoppers and beginners. Both cameras are easy to use, highly customizable, and produce great shots. Today we will see what else these cameras can offer, the noticeable differences, and which you may like better.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about the following:
- What is Micro 43 Sensor
- What are Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9
- How is the Design of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9
- How is the Handling of Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9
- How are the Camera Specs of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9
- How is the Image Quality from Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9
- How is the Video Recording in Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9
- Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Vs Panasonic G9
Micro 43 Camera Sensor Size
Buying a new camera is always challenging, especially if you want to optimize your budget. But, the best camera is always the one that fits your application, and it can be highly subjective. One of the essential parts of a camera is the sensor, and many prefer a smaller sensor for size and price. A smaller sensor like micro 43 is cheaper, more portable, and easier to stabilize than its bigger sensors. In addition, smaller sensors give a wide DOP, which might be an advantage for your photography style.
About Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9
There is no perfect camera, and even the market leaders or the most expensive cameras might still have some drawbacks. We always suggest matching the camera with your applications because not everyone has the same preferences. A micro 43 or MFT camera can be an excellent choice for some people but not for others. If the advantages above sound like what you need, an MFT can be an excellent choice. There are also still many companies carrying the options.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9 are some of the best offerings from the respective company. Both cameras have a micro four-third sensor which may not be as exciting anymore amidst large sensors today, but they are a reliable and fun way to capture photos. The OM-D E-M5 is similar to the other cameras in the collection specs-wise. This camera wins many users thanks to its handsome look. We argue looks don’t matter, but it is a subjective decision.
The G9 is more similar to the E-M1 Mark III in handling and overall experience, but if you like compact cameras, E-M5 Mark III is an excellent choice. These cameras use a micro four-third 20MP sensor which should fit most applications and perform well for most people. The G9 has a better EVF, but the E-M5 Mark III has the better AF system as it already uses a hybrid approach, even though the G9 also works well with 225-point AF. Read also: Canon Powershot SX420 Vs SX430 here.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9 Design
Unless you are an enthusiast, most people probably prefer a more compact camera, and in this case, the OM-D E-M5 Mark III wins. Not only looking good, but this camera is also weather-sealed, even though the housing is a bit more plastic than the E-M1. The G9 is Panasonic’s higher-range camera for the enthusiast, and it is noticeably bulkier with a superior grip and many programmable functionalities, including a joystick. The joystick is missing from the E-M5, but we still get the touch-screen. Both cameras have an articulating screen and EVF.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9 Handling
Not everyone considers handling when buying a camera, but it is a crucial point that affects the experience. The OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a good-looking camera, but it is not the most comfortable, especially if you have larger hands. The small grip makes way for a bigger lens, but the body won’t feel as balanced as other cameras with a larger grip like G9. The Panasonic G9 has a significant grip to accommodate bigger hands, but it should feel great for most people.
These cameras have EVF, and we appreciate the good eye relief as it provides enough distance, so your nose doesn’t touch the screen. The G9 has 3.6M dots EVF versus 2.3M dots OLED EVF in E-M5 Mark II, but both cameras provide a clean-looking and sharp image through the EVF. The articulating screen is versatile and even though E-M5 lacks a joystick, selecting focus from the screen is similarly convenient.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9 Camera Specs
Let’s see what the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9 can offer, starting from the camera specs. The E-M5 Mark III uses a 20MP micro four-thirds sensor with a 121-point hybrid autofocus system. This camera has 50MP high-res shot mode and 10fps burst with AF-C. The video recording is up to 4K 30fps. On the other hand, the G9 also uses a 20MP micro four-thirds sensor with 225-point contrast-detect AF with DFD. As for the video, the G9 can record 4K 60fps.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9 Image Quality
Image quality is a crucial aspect of your camera, but we don’t have any complaints about Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9’s overall quality. The MFT sensor has pros and cons, like the larger sensors, but the quality is never an issue. The color processing is different, which is to be expected, with Panasonic showing a more vibrant color out of the camera. The details are about the same because the sensor is identical. The ISO performance is also similar and not ideal for low-light situations.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9 Video
Because Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9 have an articulating screen, these cameras are probably designed as hybrid cameras. Both options can record 4K and are equally pleasing to use, but E-M5 has better autofocus, especially after the firmware update. One issue with this camera is that the flat profile is still too vibrant, while the G9 allows you to shoot V-Log, which gives you more freedom on the color grading step and records 10bit.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Vs Panasonic G9
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Panasonic G9 are good cameras for various users. The small sensor can be a limitation for some applications, but both are excellent with decent lighting. The main difference in handling is that the G9 has a better grip and makes your camera more stable. This camera also has a better viewfinder. The E-M5 is arguably the better-looking camera and more compact for travelers. Image quality is equally superb, but G9 can record 4K 60fps and has a better flat profile with 10-bit recording.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because both cameras are fantastic. We suggest getting the E-M5 Mark III if you want a more compact camera, but we recommend the G9 for its versatility. This camera has a good grip, customizable buttons, a simple interface, produces good pictures, and is versatile for hybrid users.
