As I hinted at in a post a few entries back, my “camera obsession”—which I’d managed to keep in check for a while—has flared up again for the first time in a long time. Because I’ve been so disappointed that my favorite LUMIX GF10 doesn’t have a viewfinder, my desire for “a snapshot camera where I can actually look through the viewfinder while shooting” has really intensified.
The only viewfinder-equipped cameras I currently own are the G9M2 and S1IIE—both super-middleweight models—so while I know it’s impossible to find one in the same “minimum” class as the GF10, I’d like a viewfinder-equipped point-and-shoot in the bantamweight class, or at least the featherweight class.
I’m also interested in some of the high-resolution compact cameras that have been released recently, but unfortunately, they’re far too expensive to be realistic targets for my desire. Logically speaking, the viewfinder-equipped LUMIX G100D should be the obvious candidate.
It’s a flyweight camera—small and light enough—and fortunately, it’s not all that expensive. However, for some reason—and this is just a personal feeling—I’m bothered by its appearance and overall vibe, which don’t quite feel like a “snapshot camera.”
“Appearance” is a very subjective feeling, so I can’t explain it well, but the G100D just doesn’t click with me. Then, I realized there was an area I hadn’t really been paying attention to until now. What about Olympus—or rather, OM SYSTEM?
I had absolutely no knowledge of OM SYSTEM cameras other than the PEN EP7 (which I ruled out immediately when I realized it didn’t have a viewfinder), so I did a little research and found that there are actually models with compact bodies and quite appealing designs.
Setting aside the “look”—which is hard to explain—I compared the size and weight of the GF10, G100D, EM10 mk4, and OM5. As expected, the two OM SYSTEM models are quite a bit larger and heavier than the GF10, and a size larger than the G100D. Compared to the GX7 mk2 I used to own, they’re almost the same size but about 10% lighter… I see what you mean—they really do feel like bantamweight or featherweight cameras.
| Model | W | H | D | Body Weight | Viewfinder | |
| Lumix | GF10 | 107mm | 65mm | 33mm | 240g | None |
| Lumix | G100D | 116 | 83 | 54 | 304g | 1.48x |
| Lumix | GX7 Mark II | 122 | 71 | 44 | 407g | 1.39x |
| OM System | EM10 Mark IV | 122 | 85 | 49 | 335g | 1.23 times |
| OM System | OM5 | 125 | 85 | 50 | 366g | 1.37x |
Of course, comparing the internal specifications is also important. While all three models are comparable in that they feature MFT 20-megapixel-class image sensors, a notable difference is that the two OM models have in-body image stabilization, which the G100D lacks, and the OM5 additionally features dust- and splash-proof construction. Also, since the G100D has a higher viewfinder magnification, it probably has the edge when it comes to “visibility.”
According to the manufacturers, the G100D and EM10 mk4 are entry-level models, so there are likely some limitations in terms of settings and operation, whereas the OM5 is equivalent to an intermediate-level model, so there probably won’t be that kind of frustration. I used to hear rumors that Olympus cameras have a unique operating system and can be difficult to use until you get used to them—I wonder if that’s still true.
I gathered some information and weighed the pros and cons. While it can’t serve as a replacement or successor to the ultra-compact GF10, a 20-megapixel OM camera in the bantam or featherweight class with an optical viewfinder and image stabilization might actually be a pretty good choice, don’t you think?
I’ve also discovered that if you look for a used OMD EM5 Mark III (Olympus-branded)—an older model with specs nearly on par with the current OM5—you can get it at a pretty reasonable price by today’s standards. Since it was released in 2019, it should still be perfectly usable, and as a Micro Four Thirds user, it might be fun to have an Olympus camera on hand…
So, after visiting camera shops to try out various models in person and browsing sample photos online (even though I didn’t really understand them), and after a few twists and turns, I finally found it at Kitamura Camera netshop. Here is the OMD EM5 Mark III that has now made its way into my hands.
I tried attaching a DIY Leica-style lens hood to my Panasonic Leica DG 15mm F1.7. I’m patting myself on the back—I think the classic “snapshot shooter” look is actually pretty nice.
Well, now I can go out and shoot without a care in the world… though there’s another major problem: how to survive this hot summer.
