Panasonic Lumix G G9 II vs OM System PEN E-PL3
Panasonic Lumix G G9 II Black 2024
OM System PEN E-PL3 Red
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Lumix G G9 II Black 2024
The Panasonic Lumix G9 II is overwhelmingly praised by users, with many calling it the best Micro Four Thirds camera they've owned. Reviewers highlight its superb autofocus, excellent image quality, and lighter weight compared to full-frame alternatives, making it ideal for wildlife and nature photography. A few minor concerns exist, such as a known microphone input issue and a learning curve, but overall sentiment is highly positive.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus
- Great image quality
- Lighter than full-frame
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Good video features
Cons
- Known microphone input issue
- Learning curve for beginners
- No PC sync port
- Battery not compatible with G9 I
OM System PEN E-PL3 Red
The Olympus PEN E-PL3 is praised for its sharp image quality, solid build, and excellent value at around $259, especially for outdoor and macro photography. However, users report significant noise at higher ISOs, slow autofocus in low light, and a confusing menu system. The proprietary battery and fragile battery door are also common complaints.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Solid build quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good outdoor and macro performance
- Compact and lightweight system
Cons
- Noise at high ISO
- Slow autofocus in low light
- Confusing menu system
- Proprietary battery
- Fragile battery door latch
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G G9 II | OM System PEN E-PL3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | MOS | CMOS |
| Size | micro-four-thirds | micro-four-thirds |
| Megapixels | 25.209999084472656 MP★ | 12.300000190734863 MP |
| ISO Range | 100 | 100 |
| Processor | Venus Engine | TruePic VI |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 779 | — |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓★ | — |
| Subject Detection | ✓★ | — |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 75 fps★ | 5 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 75 fps★ | — |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | — |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓★ | — |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K★ | 1080p |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | — |
| 1080p FPS | 240 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓★ | — |
| Log Profile | ✓★ | — |
| RAW Video | ✓★ | — |
| Codec | H.264 ALL-Intra/H.265 Long GOP 4:2:2/4:2:0 8/10-Bit, ProRes 422/ProRes 422 HQ | AVCHD, AVI |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.57 kg★ | 1.07 kg |
| Battery Life | 370 shots★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | ✓★ | — |
| USB | USB-C 3.1/3.2 Gen 2★ | — |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | — |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Lumix G G9 II Black 2024
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong video (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong burst (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average affordability (22nd percentile)
OM System PEN E-PL3 Red
- Strong display (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Below average affordability (0th percentile)0th %ile
- Below average af (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average sensor (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 20 of 33 specs.