Micro-four-third cameras are versatile systems to combine good image qualities and lightweight bodies that can use different lenses. Today’s best micro four-third cameras are the OM System OM-1 Vs Panasonic Lumix GH6. These cameras are lightweight, easy to use, and suitable for hybrid users, but they are also different. Let’s see the comparison below if you wonder which camera to invest in and what they can offer.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6?
- How is the Design of OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6?
- How is the Spec of OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6?
- How is the Autofocus in OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6?
- How is the Video Recording in OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6?
- OM System OM-1 Vs Panasonic Lumix GH6
- Which Micro Four-Third Camera to Choose?
| OM System OM-1 | Panasonic Lumix GH6 | |
|---|---|---|
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| Product Dimensions | 5.3 x 3.6 x 2.9 inches | 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 7.4 ounces | 1.81 Pounds |
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About the OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6
Digital cameras come in various sensor sizes, and it is easy to find the ones that match your preference because the larger the size, the better the performance in low-light situations. Larger sensors also make your camera bigger, which can be a concern since many want a compact device. If you dont need a bigger sensor like a full-frame, the micro four-third cameras like OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6 can be an excellent choice, especially if you need a lightweight camera to travel with. Read also: OM System OM-1 Vs Panasonic G9.
These cameras are perfect for different occasions, including video recording, and the image qualities are some of the best from the same sensor size. Their compact size can benefit those who often travel with the device. The specs are similar, and their price points are on par with many reliable mirrorlesses. However, the OM-1 is the higher model because it is more reliable at detecting your subject or has better autofocus performance. Like most mirrorless cameras, the OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6 can take RAW images, which is also surprisingly better on OM-1.
On the other hand, the OM-1 is not a perfect camera yet, because the GH6 can be the better choice if you are hybrid users who often shoot slow-motion videos. This camera’s 4K120 recording can benefit some people, especially hybrid users. But, if you value the autofocus and often shoot in RAW mode, the OM-1 is the better choice. The basic specs are almost identical, with a micro-four-third sensor and 20MP resolution for OM-1 or 25MP resolution for GH6.
OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6 Design
The handling is similar to compact cameras, but we are happy with both. For example, the GH6 is designed for hybrid users because the rear-screen mechanism can tilt and rotate to face anyone in front of the camera. Two dials at the top and an electric viewfinder in the middle are standard setups that should be familiar to most users. On the other hand, the OM-1 is simpler, with fewer physical controls at the top plate, but it is because the camera is more compact. The rear screen articulates, but the viewfinder resolution is better than GH6.
OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6 Specs
Let’s see what the OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6 can offer. Both cameras use the micro four-third sensor, but they are different in resolution, with GH6 coming with 25MP and OM-1 having a 20MP resolution. These cameras also have built-in sensor-based image stabilization. The higher resolution produces sharper details, but the overall image quality is similar. The difference is negligible unless you are pixel-peeping or blowing the print size. Managing the ISO level is also crucial to maintain the details.
However, the OM-1 is better if you often shoot RAW for further processing because this setting benefits from internal processing. While the two benefits from RAW formats, the results are better on the OM-1, especially when processing at high ISO levels. In addition, we still recommend larger sensors if your application is often related to low-light conditions because larger sensors are always best at capturing more light, improving the overall image quality and dynamic range.
OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6 Autofocus
The next part is the autofocus because it is a crucial part of your camera and affects the overall user experience. The GH6 sticks with DFD, which is contrast based and is a drawback from most cameras today, including the OM-1, which already adopts the hybrid autofocus system. Generally, the hybrid autofocus that utilizes phase detection is better at detecting moving subjects, so those who do wildlife and sports photography will be better with a camera with a hybrid autofocus system.
The expensive OM-1 makes sense when you shoot with continuous autofocus at 50fps which is excellent for almost everyone. On the other hand, the GH6 can only shoot with autofocus at 8fps which is not bad, but depending on your application, this performance is not on par with modern high-end cameras and makes the GH6 less versatile.
OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6 Video Recording
However, the OM-1 is not everything, and as we have mentioned above, the GH6 is better on the video side. Besides its extensive video formats, including ProRes 422 HQ formats, this camera also supports 5.7K60 and 4K120, which is impressive because the OM-1 tops 4K60. You can record at 10-bit on both cameras so that they will be equally impressive for professionals and more demanding applications. Since these cameras have a built-in stabilizer, they also work well as handheld cameras, though less impressive than a gimbal. Read also: OM System OM-1 Vs Fujifilm XT4.
The issue with autofocus in GH6 still presents in video mode, which can limit the versatility, especially for everyone who operates the camera while recording themselves without an operator to monitor the focus. Additionally, depending on the resolution, the video length may vary; the OM-1 records for more than two hours on its highest resolution, while the GH2 can do the same on other formats except for Apple ProRes, which is limited to 70 minutes.
OM System OM-1 Vs Panasonic Lumix GH6
The OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6 are some of the best micro-four-third cameras you can buy today, but they are different. The resolution is higher on the GH6, but the RAW files perform better on the OM-1. The autofocus is also better on this camera because OM-1 uses hybrid autofocus instead of the DFD, which is contrast based on the GH6. The video recording features are similar, but the GH6 is better because it offers more recording format, higher resolutions, and a frame rate up to 4K120.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because we may have different applications and budgets. However, we recommend the GH6 if you focus on the video recording functions because it is superb in this category. On the other hand, the OM-1 is versatile and better on stills while being capable as a video camera.