Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic ZS5

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-420 versus Panasonic ZS5, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is pretty close but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

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The E-420 was manufactured 24 months before the ZS5 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-420 matches up versus the ZS5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-420 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-420 comes with external measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS5 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-420 versus Panasonic ZS5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the E-420 versus the ZS5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-420 and ZS5 is 77 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through specifications. The visual here might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-420 and ZS5.

Plainly, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-420 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZS5 will provide you with greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older E-420 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.