Olympus E-5 vs Olympus E-P5

Here is a detailed analysis of the Olympus E-5 vs Olympus E-P5, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both sold by Olympus. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the E-5 (12MP) and E-P5 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-5 was revealed 3 years prior to the E-P5 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-5 grades versus the E-P5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-5 and Olympus PEN E-P5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Olympus E-P5 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-5 provides outer dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) and the Olympus E-P5 has measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs).

See the Olympus E-5 vs Olympus E-P5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-5 versus the E-P5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-5 and E-P5 is 58 and 85 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by looking through technical specs. The photograph here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-5 and E-P5.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus E-P5 to provide you with greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older E-5 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.