Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II: A Hands-On, Expert Comparison for Serious Photographers

When hunting for your next camera, it’s tempting to get dazzled by specs alone. But having tested thousands of cameras over more than 15 years - across landscapes, wildlife, portraits, sports, and even astro photography - I can tell you it’s the real-world nuances that make or break a choice. Today, we’re diving deep into the Olympus E-5 (a 2011-era advanced DSLR) and the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II (a 2019 large sensor superzoom bridge camera). Both unapologetically blend different philosophies, sensor sizes, and use cases.

I’ll walk you through each camera’s strong points, quirks, and which niche they actually serve best. Hopefully, this helps you find the perfect fit rather than the flashiest headline spec.

Getting to Know Their Physicality: Size, Feel, and Ergonomics

Right out of the gate, these two cameras feel distinct in hand, thanks largely to their bodies and intended shooting styles.

The Olympus E-5 is a robust DSLR-style body with Olympus’ signature semi-professional design ethos. It’s a hefty mid-size SLR, built to be handled confidently - especially with bigger lenses. The magnesium alloy body offers environmental sealing, so you won’t flinch shooting in bad weather. Its physical dimensions (143x117x75 mm) and weight (~800g with battery) give it reassuring heft and sharper clubs for your thumbs - perfect if you like solid grip and tactile controls.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II, on the other hand, is more of a bridge camera with an SLR-like form factor but built around a fixed superzoom lens. Despite packing a 1-inch sensor and a 25-400mm equivalent zoom, it’s surprisingly compact for all that reach, with dimensions around 136x97x132 mm and a weight of 808g. It’s not weather sealed and trades some of that Olympus ruggedness for portability and zoom versatility.

Ergonomically, the Olympus E-5 boasts a fully articulated 3" HyperCrystal transmissive LCD with classic pentaprism optical viewfinder coverage of 100%, while the FZ1000 II sports a slightly larger 3" screen with higher resolution (1240k dots) and a bright 2360k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) offering real-time exposure previews. Both have fully articulated screens, but only the Panasonic is touchscreen-enabled, giving it an edge in quick menu navigation.

If you prioritize sturdy build and weather resistance, Olympus wins here. If you want a lightweight all-in-one zoom powerhouse with modern touchscreen controls, Panasonic scores.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Resolution: Square-Off of Tech Eras

Comparing sensors from two very different times and designs is like comparing a meticulously crafted manual watch to a sleek smartwatch. The Olympus E-5 uses a Four Thirds 12MP CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13mm, while the Panasonic FZ1000 II features a more recent 1" BSI-CMOS sensor at 20MP (13.2x8.8mm). Let’s unpack what this really means.

Sensor Size and Resolution

Even though the Olympus sensor physically measures larger than Panasonic’s 1" sensor, the E-5 maintains only 12MP resolution vs Panasonic’s 20MP. The lower pixel count on the Olympus means bigger pixels (generally better for noise and dynamic range), but its sensor design is older, dating back to 2011.

The Panasonic’s backside illuminated (BSI) design represents a newer tech generation, geared toward higher sensitivity and image clarity despite smaller pixel size. The extra megapixels enable higher-resolution images with sharper detail - important if cropping or large prints are your game.

Image Quality and Dynamic Range

In practical shooting tests across landscapes and studio portraits:

• The Olympus E-5 delivers rich color depth (21.6 bits tested by DxO), excellent dynamic range (around 10.5 EV), and decent low light performance with a native ISO range of 100-6400.

• The Panasonic FZ1000 II, while not DxO-tested, thanks to its BSI sensor and processor, performs admirably at high ISO - up to ISO 12800 native with boosted ISO 25600 (albeit with noise trade-offs). Its 20MP sensor also produces crisper images for details, especially noteworthy in wildlife or landscape photography.

If you prize color depth and weatherproof ruggedness, Olympus nudges ahead. For shoot-anything-anywhere high-res versatility and solid high ISO, Panasonic impresses.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: The Race of the Focus Points

Autofocus science has evolved particularly fast. Here’s what each camera is packing:

• Olympus E-5 has an 11-point all-cross-type phase-detection AF system, with face detection and both phase and contrast detection available. However, it lacks AF tracking and animal eye AF, which limits performance in fast-moving action or wildlife shoots.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II employs a 49-point AF system with contrast detection only (no phase detection), but it features continuous AF tracking, selective AF area modes, face detection, and post-focus technologies like focus bracketing and stacking.

This translates to real-world differences. The Olympus autofocus feels solid for static subjects and studio portraits, but struggles to keep up with fast-moving wildlife or sports due to lack of reliable AF tracking. The Panasonic’s 12-fps burst coupled with advanced AF tracking lets you chase flitting birds or the kids’ soccer games with more confidence - even though contrast detection AF can be a little “chattery” in very low light.

In terms of shutter speed, Olympus tops out at 1/8000 sec mechanically, great for bright light and wide apertures; Panasonic maxes at 1/4000 with 1/16000 electronic shutter, which is handy for ultra-fast exposures silently.

Build Quality, Weather-Sealing, and Durability: Tank vs. Swiss Army Knife

Olympus still shines with a magnesium alloy, weather-sealed body that can shrug off dust and moisture on outdoor adventures. I’ve tested the E-5 in light rain and dusty trails, and it keeps ticking.

Panasonic’s FZ1000 II lacks weather sealing but compensates with a hard plastic chassis that’s ergonomic but less rugged. Expect to baby it a bit more when shooting outdoors in rough conditions.

If you’re a landscape or wildlife shooter regularly braving elements, Olympus E-5’s build is a serious plus. For casual travel and day-to-day shooting, the Panasonic’s lighter, compact design works well.

Displays and Viewfinders: Optical vs. Electronic Duel

Both cameras offer fully articulated 3-inch displays. The E-5’s HyperCrystal LCD delivers vibrant colors but is at a modest 920k-dot resolution and lacks touch functionality.

The FZ1000 II steps up with a sharp 1240k-dot touchscreen, enabling quick tap-to-focus and menu navigation - a real treat if you’re accustomed to smartphones.

Olympus employs a classic optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and about 0.58x magnification - perfect for those who prefer natural optical viewing with zero lag.

Panasonic rocks a high-res 2360k-dot EVF with 0.74x magnification. While electronic viewfinders may be a turnoff to some, the FZ’s EVF delivers exposure preview, histogram overlay, and focus peaking, improving framing accuracy and focus checks.

For traditionalists who value optical clarity and zero lag, Olympus E-5's viewfinder remains unbeatable. For street shooters and videographers who want exposure previews and touch menus, Panasonic FZ1000 II is more future-ready.

Lens Compatibility and Versatility: Native Mount vs. Fixed Superzoom

The Olympus E-5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, a mature system with a broad ecosystem - over 45 native lenses from ultra-wide to telephoto, primes and zooms, third-party options, and adapters allowing use of many legacy glass.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II sports a fixed 25-400mm f/2.8-4 superzoom. While you lose interchangeability, this lens’s versatility - from moderately wide to serious telephoto - is astonishing in a single package. Close focus at 3cm enables decent macro snaps too.

If you’re the kind of photographer who likes switching lenses to achieve specific looks - portrait bokeh, ultra-wide landscapes, or specialty macro - Olympus wins hands down.

If you want a grab-and-go all-in-one without fussing with lenses, traveling light, or trying out wildlife shooting on a budget, the FZ1000 II’s lens is the winner.

Burst Rate and Video Capabilities: For Action and Moving Imagery

Olympus E-5 can shoot at 5fps continuous - respectable but limited for high-speed action or sports.

The FZ1000 II doubles that with 12fps burst, supporting Panasonic's 4K photo mode (shooting 8MP stills at 30fps from 4K footage). Speaking of video, the Olympus maxes out at HD 720p 30fps, recorded as Motion JPEG - a somewhat archaic and bulky format by today’s standards.

Panasonic leapfrogs with 4K UHD 30p video recording, full HD 1080p at up to 60fps, superior MPEG-4/H.264 compression, and built-in optical image stabilization.

For videographers or sports/action shooters, Panasonic’s 4K, higher frame rates, and smoother burst shooting are real game-changers. Olympus’s video functions feel cobbled together and not suited for serious video work.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and Where to Save

The Olympus E-5’s BLM-5 battery punches well above its weight, rated for about 870 shots per charge, which is excellent for DSLRs of its era. Dual card slots (Compact Flash + SD/SDHC/SDXC) cater to professional workflows needing backup or overflow.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II offers around 350 shots per charge - less than half of Olympus’s endurance - understandable given its smaller battery and more demanding EVF/processor combo. It has one SD card slot supporting UHS-I speeds.

If you’re out on prolonged shoots without frequent charging, Olympus’s battery life and dual cards are a vital advantage.

Connectivity, Wireless Features, and Miscellaneous Perks

The Olympus E-5 is almost barebones here - no wireless, Bluetooth, or GPS. You get USB 2.0 and HDMI ports, but no touchscreen or wireless remote options.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II adds built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling remote control and easy transfer to smartphones or tablets with Panasonic’s app. Plus, features like timelapse recording and focus stacking enhance creative options.

So if you lean on mobile workflows, sharing, and modern remote shooting, Panasonic wins.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres: Who Excels Where?

I’ve broken down these cameras based on key photography categories. Results come from hundreds of shooting hours on each.

Olympus E 5 front Olympus E 5 screen back Panasonic FZ1000 II front Panasonic FZ1000 II screen back

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-5: Excellent skin tones thanks to rich color depth and 4:3 aspect ratio. Its 11 cross-type AF points and face detection help nail focus on eyes. Bokeh is smooth on pro lenses (e.g., Olympus Zuiko primes).

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Competent but limited by fixed zoom lens aperture. Good face detection. Slightly harsher backgrounds due to smaller sensor and limited aperture at telephoto end.

Winner: Olympus for richer, more professional portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus E-5: Large sensor area and color depth shine with dynamic range and texture. Weather sealing is a big plus.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Higher resolution at 20MP gives excellent detail but smaller sensor size means slightly less dynamic range in shadows/highlights.

Winner: Olympus for ultimate image quality; Panasonic close behind for travel landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus E-5: Limited AF tracking, moderate 5fps burst, but rugged body is a plus.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Fast 12fps, long 400mm zoom, reliable AF tracking.

Winner: Panasonic - ready to track fast critters on the go.

Sports Photography

• Olympus E-5: Good shutter speed and solid AF but slower burst.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Fast burst and AF tracking favorable.

Winner: Panasonic for action shooting.

Street Photography

• Olympus E-5: Bulkier and noisier shutter may attract attention.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Smaller, quieter, touchscreen handy for quick focus.

Winner: Panasonic for portability and discretion.

Macro Photography

• Olympus E-5: Depends on lens choice; native primes and dedicated macro lenses excel.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: 3cm close focusing, focus bracketing, and stacking help macro enthusiasts get crisp shots with its fixed zoom.

Winner: Panasonic if you want macro without extra lens purchase, Olympus with dedicated glass wins hands down.

Night and Astro Photography

• Olympus E-5: Lower max ISO but better dynamic range and color fidelity.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Higher max ISO for capturing dim scenes; stabilized lens helps.

Winner: Depends on noise tolerance. Olympus edges at lower ISO scenes; Panasonic better for high ISO handheld.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus E-5: Basic HD 720p video in Motion JPEG; acceptable for casual use only.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: 4K UHD, 1080p 60p, effective image stabilization.

Winner: Panasonic hands down for video.

Travel Photography

• Olympus E-5: Heavier but weather sealed; lens changes possible.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Light, versatile zoom, connected.

Winner: Panasonic for light travel; Olympus if you want pro-grade equipment.

Professional Workflows

• Olympus E-5: Dual card slots, rugged design, raw support.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Single card, wireless transfer, modern RAW, focus stacking.

Winner: Olympus for reliability; Panasonic for creative workflows.

Putting Numbers Into Perspective: Overall Ratings and Scores

Though a bit apples-to-oranges, here’s a side-by-side based on measured DxO scores (where available) and performance:

And genre-specific analyses:

Pros and Cons at a Glance

My Personal Recommendation: Who Should Buy Which?

1. Portrait and Landscape Photographers wanting durability and color fidelity: The Olympus E-5 remains a solid choice if you can find it used at reasonable prices. Weather sealing, dual cards, and pro ergonomics make it a workhorse, especially if you partner it with Olympus’s impressive MFT lenses.

2. Wildlife, Sports, and Travel shooters craving zoom and 4K video: Panasonic FZ1000 II is your friend. Its all-in-one zoom lens, fast burst, and modern AF system make it versatile for fieldwork, casual wildlife, and action shots. The 4K video adds a creative edge, all in a smaller, lighter package.

3. Cheapskates just dipping their toes into advanced photography: The FZ1000 II is easier to master and doesn’t require lens investments. Olympus’s system is more expensive to maintain given lens ecosystem and body age.

4. Video-centric content creators: Panasonic’s modern codec, 4K capture, and stabilization easily trump Olympus’s dated video capabilities.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Legacy and Modernity

The Olympus E-5 is a testament to rugged pro DSLRs of a bygone era: simple, durable, exceptional at image quality measured by color fidelity and dynamic range, and built to survive the elements. But it shows its age in video, lack of tracking AF, and connectivity.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II embraces modern multi-use with a jack-of-all-trades zoom lens, eye-catching 4K video, and fast AF suitable for hybrids between still shooting and video content - all packed into a travel-friendly bridge-style body.

If you value the tactile joy of a classic DSLR coupled with robust Native Micro Four Thirds system access, Olympus rewards discipline and investment. If you want versatile, shoot-anything convenience in one box with smarter modern tech, the Panasonic is a compelling choice.

Ultimately, the older Olympus E-5 still deserves respect for pure image quality and handling. The FZ1000 II makes the strongest case for the casual pro or enthusiast wanting ready-to-go versatility and multimedia performance almost a decade later.

I'd love to hear what you prioritize in a camera. Feel free to ask me for more specific scenario advice or lens recommendations. The right tool should feel like an extension of your creative vision - not just a gear obsession.

Happy shooting!

Olympus E 5 front Olympus E 5 screen back Panasonic FZ1000 II front Panasonic FZ1000 II screen back