Olympus E-330 vs Panasonic GF5

Here is a thorough assessment of the Olympus E-330 versus Panasonic GF5, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the E-330 (7MP) and GF5 (12MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-330 was released 7 years prior to the GF5 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-330 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief view of how the E-330 grades against the GF5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-330 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-330 Gallery and Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-330 enjoys outside measurements of 140mm x 87mm x 72mm (5.5" x 3.4" x 2.8") along with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) and the Panasonic GF5 has specifications of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-330 versus Panasonic GF5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-330 vs the GF5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-330 and GF5 is 65 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at a spec sheet. The visual below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-330 and GF5.

As you can see, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Panasonic GF5 to give extra detail as a result of its extra 5MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images more aggressively. The older E-330 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.