OM System
PEN
First OM SYSTEM-branded PEN: compact rangefinder-style Micro Four Thirds body with 20.4MP Live MOS, 5-axis IBIS, built-in EVF, IPX1 sealing, and in-camera computational modes.
$1,000
Launch priceReleased Sep 2026
Panasonic
Lumix GX9
Compact rangefinder-style Micro Four Thirds camera with 20MP sensor, tilting EVF, IBIS, and 4K video.
$999
Launch priceReleased Feb 2018
PEN is 8.6 years newer.
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Wins
PEN
Wins
Lumix GX9
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- APEN has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 9 fps)
- APEN has higher AF points / zones (121 vs 49)
- APEN has higher Max video bit rate (240 Mbps vs 100 Mbps)
- APEN has higher EVF refresh rate (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- BLumix GX9 has higher Burst (mechanical) (9 fps vs 5 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
PEN
126 × 75 × 43 mm
393 g (0.87 lb / 13.86 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Lumix GX9
124 × 72 × 47 mm
450 g (0.99 lb / 15.87 oz)
PEN is 4mm thinner than Lumix GX9 but it is also 2mm wider and 2mm taller.
PEN is 57 g lighter than Lumix GX9.
Depth (front-to-back): 43mm PEN · 47mm Lumix GX9
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
PEN
126 × 75 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Lumix GX9
124 × 72 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
PEN
126 × 43 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Lumix GX9
124 × 47 mm
Sensor size, to scale
PEN
17.4 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
226 mm² area
Lumix GX9
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
PEN
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Lumix GX9
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
PEN
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 125.8, 74.5, 43.3
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 9 fps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Dog, Cat
Codecs
Adds MOV, MPEG-4 AVC
AF points / zones
121 vs 49 — higher is better
Max video bit rate
240 Mbps vs 100 Mbps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only PEN supports it
Reasons to choose
Lumix GX9
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 124, 72.1, 46.8
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye, Animal
Codecs
Adds MP4, AVCHD
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -3.5 EV — lower is better
Burst (mechanical)
9 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
EVF resolution
2,760,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
30 frames vs 29 frames — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 200
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 30 fps
- ✓1080p max frame rate — Both 60 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
PEN
Pros
- ✓393g rangefinder body with built-in 2.36M-dot EVF
- ✓First PEN with IPX1 dust/splash sealing
- ✓5-axis IBIS up to 5.5 stops + 121-point cross-type AF
- ✓Hi-Res, Live ND, Focus Stacking, HDR via CP button
- ✓4K / C4K video, vertical video, 3.5mm mic jack
Cons
- –Micro Four Thirds sensor vs APS-C/FF rivals
- –4K capped at 30p (C4K 24p only)
- –IPX1 is lighter sealing than OM-5 II / OM-3
- –Single SD slot, no headphone jack
Lumix GX9
Pros
- ✓Compact rangefinder body
- ✓20MP MFT sensor
- ✓Tilting EVF
- ✓IBIS
Cons
- –No weather sealing
- –Single card slot
- –Small grip
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the PEN and Lumix GX9 at major authorized retailers.
OM System PEN
Panasonic Lumix GX9
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, PEN or Lumix GX9?
PEN scores 6.0/10 versus 2.0/10 for Lumix GX9 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the PEN and Lumix GX9?
PEN is 20.4 MP and Lumix GX9 is 20.3 MP, so the PEN captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the PEN and Lumix GX9 have in-body image stabilization?
PEN has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Lumix GX9 has 4-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the PEN or the Lumix GX9?
PEN reaches 30 fps electronic. Lumix GX9 reaches 9 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the PEN and Lumix GX9?
PEN weighs 393 g and Lumix GX9 weighs 450 g, so the PEN is 57 g lighter.
Do the PEN and Lumix GX9 record 4K video?
PEN: 4K up to 30p. Lumix GX9: 4K up to 30p.
Are the PEN and Lumix GX9 weather sealed?
PEN: Yes. Lumix GX9: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 410 shots (CIPA) for the PEN and 260 shots for the Lumix GX9, giving the PEN the edge.
How much does each cost?
PEN launched at $1,000 and Lumix GX9 at $999. The Lumix GX9 is $1 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way PEN vs Lumix GX9 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of OM System and Panasonic press materials.