Leica M-E Typ 220 vs Olympus E-P5

Following is a extended analysis of the Leica M-E Typ 220 vs Olympus E-P5, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Leica and Olympus. The resolution of the M-E Typ 220 (18MP) and the E-P5 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the M-E Typ 220 (Full frame) and E-P5 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor sizes.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The M-E Typ 220 was released 12 months earlier than the E-P5 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the M-E Typ 220 grades versus the E-P5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica M-E Typ 220 and Olympus PEN E-P5. The complete galleries are viewable at Leica M-E Typ 220 Gallery and Olympus E-P5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Leica M-E Typ 220 has outer measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-P5 has dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs).

Look at the Leica M-E Typ 220 vs Olympus E-P5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the M-E Typ 220 against the E-P5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the M-E Typ 220 and E-P5 is 79 and 85 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes just by checking technical specs. The image below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the M-E Typ 220 and E-P5.

As you can tell, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The M-E Typ 220 because of its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Leica M-E Typ 220 will give you extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos more aggressively. The more aged M-E Typ 220 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.