Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic SZ7

Here is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-5 and Panasonic SZ7, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-5 (12MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is pretty similar but the E-5 (Four Thirds) and SZ7 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The E-5 was launched 11 months earlier than the SZ7 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-5 matches up versus the SZ7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-5 Gallery & Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-5 features outside dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ7 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-5 and Panasonic SZ7 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-5 vs the SZ7.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-5 and SZ7 is 58 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-5 and SZ7.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-5 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic SZ7 will offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The older E-5 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.