POVDOV

Not withstanding Olympus selling I want to move to a micro 4/3 system. I have a Canon 7D Mk.II and a Canon 100-400 L lens. Because of my hand tremor my success rate on capturing birds-in-flight is about 2%. I recently purchased a Panasonic GX8 and a 12to60mm to see how the system works. I am pleased.

Does Olympus or Panasonic have the best focus and tracking system? Both have duel system image stabilization, so that is not a deciding factor. Both are considerably lighter. Thanks for taking the time to inform me.

jimvanells Loc: Augusta, GA

Have you tried a tripod with a gimbal head? That all I use in AK when I shooting eagles. Unless they are directly overhead, the gimbal is the way to go.

Gabyto

Are you planning to sell the canon equipment?.

POVDOV

Yes I am if and when I make a decision.

POVDOV

Yes I have a Gimbal head and a large tripod. My birds-in-flight scenarios are with a birding group walking trails so the Gimbal and tripod are out of the question. Just ads more weight and carry problems.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

The answer is a question: Which is better for what?

If you're tracking birds in flight, sports action, wildlife chases... The answer is likely Olympus' phase detect AF.

If you're photographing anything still, or moving very little, Panasonic's Contrast Detect AF with Depth from Defocus is more accurate.

They're two very different systems. Both are technically excellent for their design aims.

Since Panasonic is known for their professional video expertise (along with Canon and Sony), they tend to have the very best video of any MILC camera. The Lumix S1H full frame, and the Lumix GH5, GH5s, and G9 Micro 4/3 models all do a great job with pro video. I have two older GH4s that my twins and I use for video/filmmaking projects as well as stills.

Olympus has long been known for their IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization), which lets you hand-hold very slow shutter speeds (compared with no IBIS in a conventional camera, or IBIS off in the Olympus models).

Panasonic took a different approach to stabilization. They have both IBIS in their bodies, and ILIS (in-lens image stabilization) that can work together when you use their better lenses with Dual IS 2 capabilities.

Olympus is also doing that with a few of their longer lenses. IBIS is strongest at focal lengths up to 4X magnification. ILIS is strongest at longer focal lengths.

Olympus models are highly configurable, if you spend time to learn the controls, and then take the time to configure them. Their menus confuse many people. Panasonic models are also very configurable, but their menus and controls tend to be much more user-friendly.

Over 110 Micro 4/3 mount lenses will fit both brands, although there are some brand-specific features to consider. Check out these sites for details:

http://hazeghi.org/mft-lenses.html

http://wrotniak.net/photo/m43/lenses.html

Both Oly and Panny make some phenomenal glass. Olympus Zuiko PRO lenses and Panasonic Leica lenses, and Lumix G X lenses, are all first rate. But many of their other lenses are really good. My Lumix 30mm macro is amazingly sharp, as are the 12-35mm f/2.8 GX II and 35-100mm f/2.8 GX II. Olympus' 12-40mm f/2.8 and 40-150mm f/2.8 pro zooms are also amazing.

Panasonic Leica's 100-400mm f/4-f/6.3 zoom is excellent. Remember, there is a 2X magnification (crop) factor compared to full frame, so the 100-400 performs like a (non-existent) 200-800mm in the full frame world, as do all other m43 lenses! Just don't drop the 100-400 or slam it into anything, as the lens mount is a bit fragile and repairs are extremely expensive. The savvy owners I know keep the 100-400 in a rigid case, and never carry it with the camera mounted on a tripod or monopod. It has its own tripod foot for a reason.

I don't know about Olympus, but Panasonic has their own professional repair service, similar to Canon CPS and Nikon NPS. If you are a working pro and have sufficient Lumix gear to qualify, it can be a great help. That said, Lumix gear is generally very rugged and reliable.

Here is a video you might want to watch: https://www.dpreview.com/videos/dpreview-tv?play=13476

It compares the Lumix G9 and the OM-D E-M1 Mark III. Remember, this is a camera released three years ago vs. a new Olympus model. There are good reasons to buy either.

mrpentaxk5ii

You get what you pay for, how many times have I heard that. I bought two Panasonic's to do some video & stills, a GH4 that was a steal on Adorama before they were sold out and a G-95. Over all I would say Oly has better tracking for BIF, but on either camera camera system you would need to go into their top model camera., to get the best auto focus, the G9 for Panasonic or the Olympus OMD-EM1, the EM1 has a grip more like a DSLR that will allow to use a long lens with greater ease. The thing about Micro 4/3 is every thing is small except the price. I have the Oly 12-100 F4, Pan 12-35 F 2.8 and the Pan 8-18 F 2.8-4, each lens coast 800 to over 1000 dollars, the longer bird lens go for well over 1200 dollars, the used market is not much of a savings in 4/3 glass. The G9 is cheaper than the OMD-EM-1 and because it is mostly a stills camera even tough it shoots video, the auto focus is much better than any other Panasonic camera.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Well, the basic 100-400 Canon is s l o w. f/4.5 - 5.6?
Canon has a 400mm, at 2.8 More bokeh, less background, nicely faster shutter.
There's a 600mm at f/4 even.Not cheap, tho.
Economical? The Sigma 300mm f/2.8 is under a fifth of the big Canons.
Just gotta get closer ...

POVDOV

Thank you so much for your help. I have some decisions to make and you have given me information that will help.

POVDOV

Thank you Burke photo. I have the information to make the right choice. Because I have the GX8 Panasonic I can see how they stack up with still subjects. Now I will research the Olympus and see how that turns out. The dual IS is really important to me. Thanks again. POVDOV

POVDOV

Thank you MrPentax for your information. Will look at the OM-1 and see how that works out. They are considerably more expensive than Panasonic so that also is a factor.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Sony has the best tracking system. It is called TRACKING EXPAND FLEXIBLE SPOT. It is available on the following bodies, Sony a6600 is the lightest one, then the A7rIV, Sony a9, Sony a9II.

Naptown Gaijin

PANASONIC.....PANASONIC....PANASONIC... PANASONIC... oly is out of business..

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I do not believe Sony has M4/3 format so this is irrelevant.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I have the G9 and I love the Panasonic Leica 100-400 for most wildlife, but it doesn’t track BIF nearly as well as my D500. It is much easier to hold and carry.