OM System OM-1 vs Panasonic LUMIX GH7

The bottom line

These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.

Choose the OM System OM-1 if…

  • You shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (25,600) and AF that focuses down to -8 EV give it the edge after dark.
  • You value portability — at 599g (1.32 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 805g (1.77 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
  • You shoot long days on one charge — rated 520 shots per battery vs 360.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX GH7 if…

  • You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 75fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 50fps would drop frames.
  • You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p.

Where they differ

  • Weight: the OM System OM-1 is 599g (1.32 lb) vs 805g (1.77 lb) — 206g you'll feel on a long day out.
  • Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX GH7 shoots 75fps to the OM System OM-1's 50fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
  • Resolution: 25.2MP on the Panasonic LUMIX GH7 vs 20.4MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.

Frequently asked

Is the OM System OM-1 or the Panasonic LUMIX GH7 better?

These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.

Who should choose the OM System OM-1?

Choose the OM System OM-1 if you shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (25,600) and AF that focuses down to -8 EV give it the edge after dark. Choose it if you value portability — at 599g (1.32 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 805g (1.77 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you shoot long days on one charge — rated 520 shots per battery vs 360.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX GH7?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX GH7 if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 75fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 50fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p.

What is the main difference between the OM System OM-1 and the Panasonic LUMIX GH7?

Weight: the OM System OM-1 is 599g (1.32 lb) vs 805g (1.77 lb) — 206g you'll feel on a long day out.

Product
OM System OM-1
OM System
$2,199
Panasonic LUMIX GH7
Panasonic
$2,199
Imaging
Sensor TypeBSI Stacked Live MOSBSI CMOS
Sensor SizeMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Image ProcessorTruePic XVenus Engine
Effective Resolution20.4 MP25.2 MP
Lens MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Exposure Control
ISO Range (Native)200 – 25600100 – 12800
ISO Range (Extended)80 – 10240050 – 25600
Mechanical Shutter1/80001/8000
Electronic Shutter1/320001/32000
Flash Sync Speed1/2501/250
Built-in FlashNoNo
Still Image Capture
Continuous Shooting50 fps75 fps
Video Capture
Max Resolution4K5.7K
8K Recording
4K RecordingUp to 60pUp to 120p
1080p RecordingUp to 240pUp to 240p
10-bit InternalYesYes
Recording LimitNo limitNo limit
Log ProfilesOM-Log400 / HLGV-Log / V-Log L / HLG
Built-in MicStereoStereo
Headphone JackYesYes
Mic InputYesYes
HDMI OutputMicro (Type D)Full-size (Type A)
Focus
Phase Detect Points1,053779
Contrast Detect Points
Low Light AF-8 EV-7 EV
Eye AFYesYes
Animal AFYesYes
Vehicle AFNoYes
Viewfinder
EVF TypeOLEDOLED
EVF Resolution5.76M dots3.68M dots
EVF Magnification0.83x0.8x
Monitor
LCD Size3"3"
LCD Resolution1.62M dots1.84M dots
LCD TypeVari-AngleVari-Angle
Touch ScreenYesYes
Interface
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6
Bluetoothv4.2v5.2
USBUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
Memory Card Slots2x SD UHS-II2x SD UHS-II
GPSNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$2,199$2,199
Body MaterialMagnesium AlloyMagnesium Alloy
Dimensions134.8×91.6×72.7 mm138.4×100.3×99.6 mm
Weight599g (1.32 lb)805g (1.77 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
In-Body StabilizationYesYes
Battery Life (EVF)520 shots360 shots
Battery Life (LCD)520 shots400 shots
Battery TypeBLX-1DMW-BLK22