If you have been following this blog, you'd know that I love small cameras. That's the reason I am a huge fan of Micro Four Thirds system; they make truly compact cameras that can deliver great results. I happened to have both the smallest cameras from Panasonic and Olympus, the GM1 and E-PM2 respectively, and I thought it would be a great idea to pitch the side by side and discuss their similarities as well as differences. At the end of the day, both are fantastic cameras, I intend to keep both, since these models are effectively discontinued, but if I had to pick just one, which would it be? I made a video to discuss this too, you can check it out here (click).
Both Panasonic GM1 and Olympus E-PM2 share plenty of similarities, since they were launched at about the same time. The GM1 was released in 2013, and E-PM2 just less than a year before in 2012. They share many similar tech and imaging capabilities at the era. Both cameras use 16MP CMOS Micro Four Thirds size image sensor, hence the image quality from these cameras should be almost identical when it comes to resolution, dynamic range and high ISO noise control. The autofocus system utilizes contrast-detect for both cameras, hence both cameras have equally as fast and reliable AF performance for Single-AF but suffers considerably the same when it comes to Continuous-AF with the lack of phase-detection AF. The lens mount is the same - Micro Four Thirds standard, that can take in any compatible Micro Four Thirds native lenses, and that is where the similarities end.
The Panasonic GM1 is still currently the world's smallest interchange-able lens camera. Some would argue that Pentax Q is smaller, well, guess what? I have the Pentax Q too. And I can verify (check my video) that the GM1 is indeed smaller, no dispute here. I like that the GM1 has metal body construction, which is better built than the plastic used on the E-PM2, which indicates the entry-level basic categorization for the E-PM2 by Olympus. I also appreciate the mode dial on GM1 that allows quicker access to important exposure modes, switching between P, A, S and M is a breeze, whereas for E-PM2 you need to dive deep into the menu to switch the modes, that is inconvenient. The GM1 uses multi-touch capable LCD screen, which makes touch screen navigation a lot more effective and functional, compared to the single-touch operation on E-PM2 (e.g. you cannot pinch to zoom with the E-PM2's screen).
The Olympus E-PM2 has built in body image stabilization, which is a huge advantage over the GM1. Though the image stabilization only has 2-Axis, it helps in steadying the shots, gaining a bit more confidence in nailing the shots. The E-PM2 being slightly larger, thicker in build and having actual hand gripping area and a thumb hook at the back, allows for more comfortable handling, especially if you are holding the camera in hand for a longer period of time. GM1 being too small is both a blessing and a curse, it is just too small for comfort, and handling is important when it comes to operating the camera. I also like that the battery life on the E-PM2 is significantly longer than the GM1, based on CIPA rating it is about 50% more - a single charge on E-PM2 can get you 360 shots vs 230 shots on GM1. And finally, a more personal note, I prefer the color output coming from the E-PM2, it is more natural looking, pleasing and balanced compared to the colder, less accurate and plastic looking colors from the GM1, but I do admit this observation is subjective.
I do love both cameras very much. However, if I needed to get rid of one for whatever reasons, the camera that I'd pick to stay with me would be the GM1. I know this does not make much sense, considering the E-PM2 seems superior in the more important aspects of what makes a good camera - image stabilization, better handling, longer battery life, more pleasing colors, etc. Here is the thing - if I want actual good handling, powerful stabilization and the best possible performance and output, I'd go for my OM-D cameras, the E-M1 Mark II for example can deliver excellent results with all these important points checked out. The reason I chose the GM1 was for the super tiny size - there is just something incredibly fun shooting with something so tiny yet being able to get crazy good results. It isn't perfect, but I am not using the GM1 to shoot weddings or other commercial jobs. For street photography, casual everyday use, travel and a bit of documentary work, that GM1 works wonders, and it is just so enjoyable to shoot with.
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