Lumix GX9 vs Lumix G100 and Olympus E-M10 IV

For travel or urban exploration, which camera to use?

Micro 4/3 cameras represent 40% of sales in the interchangeable lens range in Japan. This sensor is smaller than the APS-C or full format and so receives less light, but this is offset on static subjects by a longer exposure thanks to the perfect stabilization in this format.

The ability to make stabilized video is the main reason to choose the M43 format, whose resolution, whatever it is, will always be higher than 8 MP of the 4K format. But it is not the only advantage. M43 devices are more compact and lighter, and also offer features that are not found in other formats, such as focus stacking that increases the sharpness of photos.

Comparatif of specifications

Reasons to choose the Lumix GX9

• Modern look rather than the 80s retro style of Olympus.
• Rotating viewfinder.
• The composition mode merges successive views into one.
• Focus stacking, very useful in macro.
• You can set a minimum shutter speed, not on the Olympus.
• No silly creative filter like the grain effect, the pinole effect, that Olympus inflicts you (and others).
• Full panorama mode.
• i.Dynamic, i.Resolution and diffraction compensation to improve dynamic range and sharpness in jpeg.
• USB charging.

Reason to choose the Lumix G100

This ultralight camera suffers from serious limitations such as the lack of stabilization in the body, panorama and cleaning of the sensor. But it does offer travel and video benefits and is aimed at vloggers (with gimbal). The big viewfinder and the lack of stabilization in the body negate the advantages of the small M43 sensor and the cropped 4K video defeats the purpose of this camera.

• The most compact and the lightest.
• Its large viewfinder is comfortable even with glasses.
• A bigger button to start the video.
• Charging by USB.
• The kit lens has stabilization (but double stabilization is not possible).

Reasons to choose the Olympus E-M10 IV

• Large viewfinder.
• The OK button offers a quick setting panel.
• More intuitive interface.
• More responsive in auto mode, reduces the exposure time when it detects motion.
• The Live Composite feature automatically creates extended exposures.
• Editing RAW images in the camera.
• Better autonomy.

Reasons to choose a Micro 4/3 camera

• A smaller, lightweight device and lens, easy to carry.
• The crop factor of the sensor doubles the focal length of the lenses compared to the full format.
• A sort of pre-shot is offered with 4k clips and image selection in the body.
• Lens corrections are applied by default, including distortion (keystone), which not all APS-Cs offer.
• The video in 4K may be cropped, but the images are clear enough to extract pictures.
• Both brands offer a complete choice of lenses, compact and lightweight. They can also be mounted on all M43 (but dual stabilization only works with the lenses of the brand).

Autofocus tracking is not the strong point of these cameras, nor the resolution. They are not ideal for action but are well suited for travel, street photography with a pancake lens, nature with a telephoto lens, and video.

See also ...

• Canon EOS M50 et M6 II vs Sony A6400 et A6500 vs Fujifilm X-T30.
• Image with good quality in cheap camera.