Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic LX5

Below, we are matching up the Olympus E-420 versus Panasonic LX5, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is very well matched but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and LX5 (1/1.63") possess different sensor measurements.

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The E-420 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the LX5 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-420 matches up versus the LX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-420 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-420 Gallery & Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-420 enjoys physical dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic LX5 has specifications of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-420 versus Panasonic LX5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-420 vs the LX5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-420 and LX5 is 77 and 88 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading through specifications. The visual underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-420 and LX5.

Plainly, both the cameras posses the exact same MP but different sensor sizing. The E-420 contains the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier. The older E-420 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.