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OM System PEN vs Panasonic Lumix G97

6 · 0 TIE · 1

The PEN wins 6 of 7 scored specs (resolution, burst, stabilization); the G97 wins 1. The G97 is $150 cheaper.

6 WINSBuy it if you want: resolution, burst, stabilization, battery (cipa).
1 WINSBuy it if you want: the lower price.
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Size, to scale

OPEN IN SIZE COMPARE →
FRONT (WIDTH × HEIGHT)
TOP (WIDTH × DEPTH), LENS FACING DOWN

Outer sizes are exact, from the makers' dimensions. Shapes are drawn by us to show each body style; the dashed circle is the lens mount at its real diameter.

  • OM System PEN125.8 × 74.5 × 43.3 mm · 393 g
  • Panasonic Lumix G97130.4 × 93.5 × 77.4 mm · 530 g

Where they differ

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PENG97
PRICE & SCORE
Price$1,000$850BEST
CameraFits score7.1BEST5.5
PHOTO
Resolution20.4 MPBEST20.3 MP
BurstThe fastest frames per second the maker quotes. Top speeds often use the electronic shutter and may limit autofocus. Higher helps for sports, wildlife and kids.30 fpsBEST9 fps
StabilizationIn-body stabilisation. Each stop lets you shoot at half the shutter speed without blur, so 8 stops means very steady handheld shots.5.5 stopsBEST5 stops
ShutterFastest mechanical and electronic shutter speeds. The silent electronic shutter can freeze faster motion, but may bend fast subjects on slower sensors.—1/4000 mech · 1/16000 elec
AutofocusWhat the camera recognises and tracks automatically, and how dark it can get before focus struggles (lower EV is better in low light).People, animals · down to −3.5 EVPeople · down to −4 EV
VIDEO
Colour depth10-bit records far more colour detail than 8-bit, so footage holds up when you grade it. Worth it if you edit video.—8-bit
Log profileA flat picture profile that keeps highlight and shadow detail for colour grading later.OM-Log400V-Log L
Audio jacksA mic input for better sound, and a headphone jack to check what you are recording.Mic onlyMic + headphone
BODY & HANDLING
Battery (CIPA)Shots per charge on the CIPA standard test, using the rear screen. Real-world numbers are often higher.410 shotsBEST280 shots
WeightBody with battery and card, without a lens.393 gBEST530 g
ViewfinderElectronic viewfinder resolution and magnification. More dots and a bigger magnification give a sharper, larger view.2.36M-dot, 0.62×2.36M-dot, 0.74×
Card slotsTwo slots let you record a backup copy at the same time, which matters for paid work like weddings.1x SD UHS-I1x SD UHS-II

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