I stumbled upon these Olympus E-P7 with Olympus 12mm lens images that went viral on Rednote in 2025. It just goes to show that Olympus cameras were really sexy. I hope OM Digital recognizes the potential for launching a new model!
If you’ve shopped for a truly pocketable mirrorless, you’ve heard the chorus: Panasonic GM1, GM1, GM1. It’s tiny, it’s stylish, and its cult status has pushed used prices into the stratosphere. But there’s a sleeper that quietly matches most of the GM1’s strengths, fixes several pain points, and costs a fraction of the price: the Olympus E‑PM2. Tom Calton tested the camera and these are his quick thoughts about it:
The elevator pitch
– Same excellent 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor as the original OM‑D E‑M5 (and later, the GM1)
– Faster autofocus, built‑in IBIS, longer battery life, and a quicker mechanical shutter than the GM1
– Often sells for well under $200 with a kit lens
What it is (and why it was overlooked)
The E‑PM2 is the second—and last—of Olympus’s “Pen Mini” line. It launched under the shadow of the larger PENs and OM‑Ds and never got the hype its sensor and speed deserved. Years later, the GM1 is a style icon. The E‑PM2 is the quiet overachiever that never bragged.
Design and handling
Olympus fixed the original E‑PM1’s soap‑bar ergonomics with a small front grip and a rear thumb rest, making the E‑PM2 easier to hold and far less fumble‑prone. Add a slim wrist strap and you’ve got a carry‑all‑day street rig that stays glued to your hand. It’s still plastic and not a design trophy, but it’s practical—and that matters more when you’re shooting.
Performance that punches up
– Autofocus: Olympus’s contrast‑detect AF from the E‑M5 era was famously quick. On the E‑PM2, it’s snappy and confident, often quicker than the GM1 in like‑for‑like conditions.
– Stabilization: 2‑axis IBIS is built in. The GM1 has none. Even a modest IBIS system is a big quality‑of‑life upgrade in a pocket body.
– Shutter: Mechanical speeds up to 1/4000s on the E‑PM2 vs the GM1’s 1/500s mechanical limit (which forces you into electronic shutter for brighter scenes). More headroom for fast glass in daylight.
– Battery life: Expect meaningfully longer life than the GM1—handy for travel days where you want to stay light.
– Lenses: Thanks to the small grip and better balance, the E‑PM2 plays nicer with slightly larger primes and compact zooms than the GM1 typically does.
Image quality
Both cameras share the same 16MP sensor lineage, so output is more alike than different: detailed, flexible RAWs, and pleasing color. Olympus skews a touch cooler (sometimes with a hint of magenta), Panasonic a bit warmer. Dynamic range is solid for the generation, and high ISO is usable with thoughtful exposure and light noise reduction. ISO 3200 can work in a pinch; 6400 is survivable if you lean on modern denoising.
Video
Neither body is a modern video workhorse: both top out at 1080p/30. But the E‑PM2’s IBIS gives handheld clips a steadier look straight out of camera, reducing micro‑jitter and making casual travel footage or quick social clips more watchable.
Why anyone would still pick the GM1
– Premium build: metal, smaller footprint, and a more “jewel‑like” feel
– Better screen: higher‑resolution rear display with multi‑touch (pinch‑to‑zoom, etc.)
– Controls: a proper top mode dial and more polished touch UI
If aesthetic appeal, ultra‑tiny size, and premium materials are your priorities, the GM1 still charms.
The price gap (and why it matters)
– E‑PM2: Frequently $100–$200 used, often with a 14–42mm kit zoom
– GM1: Commonly $400–$600 used
That delta more than covers a fast prime, a spare battery, and a strap—arguably better performance upgrades than a prettier shell.
Practical buying tips
– Look to Japanese sellers (and reputable proxy services) for the widest selection and transparent grading; even with shipping, deals can be excellent.
– Ask for shutter count, check IBIS behavior (gentle clunk is normal; grinding is not), and confirm the touchscreen works.
– Prefer listings with the charger and at least one genuine battery.
Setup and shooting tips (E‑PM2)
– Enable the Olympus Super Control Panel (SCP) for quick access to ISO/WB/AF without diving the main menu.
– Assign a function button to ISO or AF mode, and set touch‑to‑focus for discreet street work.
– Pair it with: Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 (tiny and fast), Olympus 17mm f/1.8 (snappy AF), Olympus 45mm f/1.8 (portraits), or Panasonic 12–32mm (pancake zoom). All keep the kit pocket‑friendly.
Caveats
– Plastic build and simpler UI than the GM1
– 1080/30 video only, no headphone/mic niceties
– Lower‑resolution rear screen vs the GM1
Bottom line
If you chase the smallest, prettiest object, the GM1 is still irresistible. But if you want a tiny camera that’s easier to hold, faster to focus, more stable handheld, and cheaper by a mile—without giving up that proven 16MP Micro Four Thirds look—the Olympus E‑PM2 is the smarter buy. It’s the “compromise” you pick for the price and keep for the performance.
In the realm of street photography, the Ricoh GRIV has made a significant impact with its advanced features and compact design. However, many photographers are looking for affordable alternatives that can deliver similar results without breaking the bank. George Holden tested a budget-friendly option: the Olympus EPL-6 + Lumix 14mm pancake, a camera that may not be the newest on the block, but still offers valuable features for street photographers.
Sensor and Image Quality: The Ricoh GRIV boasts a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the EPL6 comes equipped with a 16-megapixel 4/3 sensor. Although the GR4 has a clear advantage in resolution, the EPL6’s sensor is still satisfactory for street photography.
Snap Focus Mode: One of the key features that makes the Rico GR4 attractive is its snap focus mode, which is essential for quick street shots. While the EPL6 does not have this feature inherently, you can customize the camera’s buttons to emulate snap focus functionality.
Portability and Design: Both cameras are compact and suitable for street photography. However, the EPL6 offers a fully tilting LCD screen, a distinct advantage for waist-level shooting, while the GR4 has a fixed display.
In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS): The EPL.6 features a 3-axis IBIS, less than the 5-axis stabilization found in the Rico GR4 but still helpful for achieving steady shots.
Burst Mode: Surprisingly, the EPL-6 outpaces the GR4 with an 8 FPS burst mode, compared to the GR4’s 4 FPS. This can be beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects in dynamic street scenes.
For $80, the Olympus EPL-6not only provides a functional camera but also a compelling shooting experience that encourages creativity through its limitations. While the Ricoh GRIV is undoubtedly more sophisticated, the EPL6, when paired with a fast lens, can hold its own in everyday street photography. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your budget and specific photography needs. As always, the best camera is the one you have with you.
Panasonic changed the camera world in 2008 with the Lumix G1, the first mirrorless and the first Micro Four Thirds body. For years, Panasonic and the MFT ecosystem set the pace that others followed. Yet recent shipment data out of Japan puts Panasonic at roughly 3.4% market share across both L‑Mount full frame and MFT. That implies an even smaller slice for Micro Four Thirds specifically—and a sharp fall from earlier highs.
But a series of decisions let rivals overtake them. Robin Wong listed the five missteps that, together, blunted Panasonic’s momentum—and what could help turn it around.
1) Late to in‑body image stabilization (IBIS)
For years Panasonic leaned on optical stabilization in select lenses while Olympus shipped IBIS in every body from day one. Panasonic didn’t add IBIS until the GX7 in 2013, and that was only 2‑axis. Five‑axis arrived later (GX8 in 2015) and reached true parity in models like the G9. IBIS alone didn’t decide the market, but for travel, handheld video, and low‑light shooting—especially in compact or entry cameras—it’s a must. The hesitation cost them sales and mindshare.
2) Late to reliable subject/face‑tracking autofocus
This one stings because Panasonic smartly pushed video features early with the GH line. But as Sony and Canon put fast, sticky, subject‑tracking autofocus into the hands of everyday shooters, Panasonic’s approach lagged. Solo creators and YouTubers often can’t pull focus manually; they need dependable AF that locks, tracks, and stays quiet. Panasonic’s move to modern phase‑detect subject tracking in recent bodies like the G9 II was welcome—but it arrived years after competitors normalized it across lineups.
3) Intentionally limiting lower‑tier cameras
Panasonic marketed entry models like the GF series and G100 to vloggers and new creators, yet held back critical features such as robust IBIS and dependable subject/face tracking. The result: cameras that looked the part but weren’t as usable for run‑and‑gun shooting. While segmentation is normal, the broader market increasingly expects trustworthy AF and some stabilization—even at the entry level. That’s where volume lives.
4) Bodies that grew too large and heavy
Micro Four Thirds’ founding promise is a small, lightweight system that still delivers professional results. Recent flagships like the G9 II and GH7 are superb performers—but their size and weight now rival, or even exceed, some full‑frame bodies from Canon, Nikon, and Sony. If a camera is as big and heavy as full frame, many buyers will simply choose full frame. MFT should lean into portability, not drift away from it.
5) A confusing pivot to full frame
Brands can and should explore new formats—but Panasonic’s push into full frame via L‑Mount sent mixed signals about its long‑term commitment to MFT. For users heavily invested in Micro Four Thirds, the move raised doubts: is MFT still a priority? Will R&D split dilute progress? Meanwhile, L‑Mount hasn’t exploded in volume to offset those concerns. The perception hit to MFT confidence matters, especially when buyers are weighing a system investment.
What Panasonic can do now according to Robin Wong:
Put best‑in‑class AF and IBIS everywhere, including entry models. Don’t gate core usability.
Re‑embrace compactness. Make a modern, pocketable GX/GM‑style body that pairs perfectly with small primes.
Clarify the roadmap. Publicly commit to MFT long term with lenses and bodies that make the format’s advantages obvious.
Ship creator‑first features by default: clean, reliable tracking AF; strong IBIS or lens+body stabilization; good audio; simple streaming; heat‑management that just works.
Celebrate the lens ecosystem. Few systems match MFT for breadth of fast, tiny primes—lean into that as a unique advantage.
Do you agree? What did he miss? Drop your thoughts!
