Panasonic Lumix G9 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 Olympus E-M1 Mark II is better for wildlife.
Choose the Lumix G9 for
- stronger video (4K 60p)
- a newer design (2018)
Choose the Olympus E-M1 Mark II for
- faster bursts (60fps vs 20fps)
- a lighter body (574g vs 658g)
- a lower price (from £329)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Lumix G9 | Olympus E-M1 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds, 20MP | Micro Four Thirds, 20MP |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Released | 2018 | 2016 |
| 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 | 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 | £399–459 | £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 | About equal |
| 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 II compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Panasonic Lumix G9 better than the OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark II?
It depends on your priorities. The Lumix G9 offers stronger video (4K 60p), a newer design (2018); the Olympus E-M1 Mark II offers faster bursts (60fps vs 20fps), a lighter body (574g vs 658g), a lower price (from £329).
Which is better for video, the Lumix G9 or the Olympus E-M1 Mark II?
The Lumix G9 is stronger for video: Lumix G9 records 4K 60p, Olympus E-M1 Mark II records 4K 30p.
Which is cheaper, the Lumix G9 or the Olympus E-M1 Mark II?
The Lumix G9 costs No longer sold new new and from £399 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 G9 lenses on the Olympus E-M1 Mark II?
Yes. Both use the Micro Four Thirds mount.