Panasonic Lumix GX9 vs OM System Olympus E-M5 Mark III
OM System Olympus E-M5 Mark III has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Lumix GX9 is the better pick for a film look; the Olympus E-M5 Mark III is better for travel, landscapes, wildlife, sports.
Choose the Lumix GX9 for
- a lower price (from £429)
Choose the Olympus E-M5 Mark III for
- more resolution (20.4MP vs 20.3MP)
- faster bursts (30fps vs 9fps)
- a lighter body (414g vs 450g)
- weather sealing
- a newer design (2019)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Lumix GX9 | Olympus E-M5 Mark III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds, 20.3MP | Micro Four Thirds, 20.4MP |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Released | 2018 | 2019 |
| Burst | 9 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 450 g | 414 g |
| Battery | Panasonic DMW-BLG10E | OM System BLS-50 |
| Card slots | SD (UHS-I) | SD (UHS-I) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £429–529 | £489–579 |
| 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 | Olympus E-M5 Mark III |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | Olympus E-M5 Mark III |
| Wildlife & animals | Olympus E-M5 Mark III |
| Sports & action | Olympus E-M5 Mark III |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | Lumix GX9 |
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-BLG10E (about £50) vs OM System BLS-50 (about £54).
Lumix GX9 compatible lenses → · Olympus E-M5 Mark III compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Panasonic Lumix GX9 better than the OM System Olympus E-M5 Mark III?
It depends on your priorities. The Lumix GX9 offers a lower price (from £429); the Olympus E-M5 Mark III offers more resolution (20.4MP vs 20.3MP), faster bursts (30fps vs 9fps), a lighter body (414g vs 450g).
Which is better for video, the Lumix GX9 or the Olympus E-M5 Mark III?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p vs 4K 30p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Lumix GX9 or the Olympus E-M5 Mark III?
The Lumix GX9 costs No longer sold new new and from £429 used at MPB; the Olympus E-M5 Mark III costs No longer sold new new and from £489 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Panasonic Lumix GX9 lenses on the Olympus E-M5 Mark III?
Yes. Both use the Micro Four Thirds mount.