Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 vs Olympus PEN E-PM1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1
      59
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      63
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and the Olympus PEN E-PM1, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 was introduced in February 2011 and Olympus PEN E-PM1 was introduced in November 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Highlights

      • 12 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 23 Focus Points (23 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2.6 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Olympus PEN E-PM1 Highlights

      • 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 35 Focus Points (35 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 5.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
      4. Advantage of Olympus PEN E-PM1
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Olympus PEN E-PM1.

      PROS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz)
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz)

      CONS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.6 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 54
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 52
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Panasonic GF2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 over Olympus PEN E-PM1.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 vs Olympus PEN E-PM1
      Touch Screen vs
      Built-in Flash vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 506 vs 499
      Higher DxO Color Depth 21.2 vs 21.0
      Higher DxO Overall Score 54 vs 52

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2.

      Panasonic GF3
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Panasonic GF5
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      12.1 MP

      Panasonic GF6
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Panasonic GF7
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Panasonic GF8
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Panasonic GF1
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Panasonic G3
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M10
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Leica M9
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      18.0 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL2
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Leica M Edition 60
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      Full Frame

      23.7 MP

      Advantage of Olympus PEN E-PM1

      Olympus PEN E-PM1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Olympus PEN E-PM1 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 vs Olympus PEN E-PM1
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixel vs 12.3 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 12,800
      Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 4032 x 3024
      More Focus Points 23 vs 35
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Viewfinder vs Electronic (optional)
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.6 fps vs 5.5 fps
      Lighter 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz) vs 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 300 shots vs 330 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Olympus PEN E-PM1.

      Olympus PEN E-PM2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL7
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Olympus PEN-F
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P7
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL3
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.3 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL6
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL1s
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL5
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL8
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Olympus PEN E-PM1
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Mini type C
        Light310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz)265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Olympus PEN E-PM1
        Small SensorMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
        Low Resolution Sensor12 Megapixel12.3 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Cross-type Focus Points00
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen460k dot460k dot
        Low DxO Overall Score5452
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min30 min
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life300 shots330 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Olympus PEN E-PM1 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 460k dot resolution. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment

      Camera does not have a built-in viewfinder but an optional electronic viewfinder can be attached on Olympus PEN E-PM1.

      Sensor

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 features a 12 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 224.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400. Olympus PEN E-PM1 features a 12.3 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 169 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is equipped with Venus Engine FHD processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 3000, 4000 x 2672, 4000 x 2248, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1600 x 904, 1504 x 1504 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Olympus PEN E-PM1 is equipped with TruePic VI processor and can take pictures up to 4032 x 3024 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3200 x 2400, 2560 x 1920, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Due to their Micro Four Thirds sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 2x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Olympus PEN E-PM1

      Olympus PEN E-PM1 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Olympus PEN E-PM1 has a Mini type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Olympus PEN E-PM1 comes with BLS-5 battery pack with battery life of 330 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot. Olympus PEN E-PM1 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2, and up to 1/4000 sec on Olympus PEN E-PM1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 can shoot continuously up to 2.6 fps. Olympus PEN E-PM1 can shoot continuously up to 5.5 fps.


      Flash

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 6.00 m and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Olympus PEN E-PM1 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 body has dimensions of 113 x 68 x 33 mm (4.45 x 2.68 x 1.3") and Olympus PEN E-PM1 body has dimensions of 110 x 64 x 34 mm (4.33 x 2.52 x 1.34"). Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 weighs 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz) and Olympus PEN E-PM1 weighs 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz).

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      113 mm

      68 mm

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      110 mm

      64 mm

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      68 mm

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      64 mm

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      33 mm

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      34 mm

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      Size comparisons of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Olympus PEN E-PM1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Olympus PEN E-PM1 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.6 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.6 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      GOOD
      76
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      78
      •   Small Sensor
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Street Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      GOOD
      83
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Olympus PEN E-PM1 and give them scores of 59 and 63 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      OVERALL
      59
      OVERALL
      63

      Sensor

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 54
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 52

      Photo

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      POOR
      53
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.6 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Video

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      GOOD
      71
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot

      Connectivity

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 310 g (0.68 lb / 10.93 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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