Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic ZS5

Below, we are comparing the Olympus E-30 versus Panasonic ZS5, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is very similar but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-30 was manufactured 14 months earlier than the ZS5 making the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-30 grades versus the ZS5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-30 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-30 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-30 has external measurements of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") and a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS5 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-30 versus Panasonic ZS5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-30 and the ZS5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-30 and ZS5 is 60 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions merely by going over specs. The pic below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-30 and ZS5.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have got the exact same MP but not the same sensor dimensions. The E-30 provides the larger sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier. The more aged E-30 is going to be behind in sensor tech.