Olympus E-5 vs Olympus SZ-10

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus E-5 versus Olympus SZ-10, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-5 (12MP) and the SZ-10 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-5 (Four Thirds) and SZ-10 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-5 was launched at a similar time to the SZ-10 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the E-5 grades against the SZ-10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-5 & Olympus SZ-10. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-5 Gallery & Olympus SZ-10 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-5 enjoys outside measurements of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-10 has proportions of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-5 versus Olympus SZ-10 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-5 and the SZ-10.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-5 and SZ-10 is 58 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements merely by checking out technical specs. The visual here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-5 and SZ-10.

As you can tell, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-5 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus SZ-10 will provide greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos more aggressively.