Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30: A Thorough Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing the right camera today is a puzzle with many pieces - sensor size, autofocus performance, lens options, usability, and even connectivity. It’s often a balancing act between image quality, system versatility, portability, and price. To help you navigate these waters, I’ve spent substantial time shooting with and analyzing two notably different cameras: the Olympus E-5, a robust advanced DSLR from 2011, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 (also known as the TZ40 outside North America), a compact superzoom from 2013 designed for travel convenience.

On paper, they couldn’t be more distinct. But which performs better for your style? In this detailed comparison, based on hands-on testing and real-world use, I break down their strengths, compromises, and ideal user profiles. Whether you shoot portraits, wildlife, landscapes, or video, you’ll find candid insights to guide your decision.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling - First Impressions Matter

The feeling of a camera in your hands often shapes your photography experience just as much as specs do. The Olympus E-5 stands as a true DSLR in build and presence, offering a mid-size SLR body designed for serious photographers who value control and durability. Weighing in at 800 grams and measuring 143x117x75mm, it commands some respect on longer shoots but remains surprisingly manageable.

Compare that with the Panasonic ZS30 - a featherweight 198 grams with compact dimensions of 105x59x28mm. It fits snugly into any jacket pocket or small bag. Perfect for casual outings, city strolls, or travel scenarios where your gear can't slow you down.

The Olympus has weather sealing and a solid magnesium alloy frame, adding confidence if you shoot outdoors in all seasons. The Panasonic, while well-built, is plastic-bodied with no environmental protection, so treat it as your travel companion rather than an expedition tool.

Both feature 3-inch LCD screens with 920k dot resolution, aiding composition and review - but we’ll detail those next.

Design and Controls - Customization vs Simplicity

What about interface and controls? The Olympus E-5 embraces classic DSLR ergonomics with dedicated dials and buttons for most shooting parameters. Its top screen panel gives at-a-glance exposure info, rarely seen outside pro-tier bodies.

You’ll appreciate the fully articulated HyperCrystal LCD on the E-5 - bright and versatile for multiple shooting angles, a boon for macro and video work. The back buttons and joystick provide quick access to settings without taking your eye from the viewfinder.

By contrast, the Panasonic ZS30 offers a fixed touchscreen, leaning towards intuitive simplicity for casual or beginner users. The touchscreen supports focus point selection and menu navigation, but lacks the tactile feedback a seasoned shooter might prefer. There’s no physical viewfinder here, which might annoy shooters who like composing away from screen glare.

Sensor and Image Quality - The Heart of the Camera

Now we drill down into what really counts: image quality. The Olympus E-5 uses a Four Thirds 12MP CMOS sensor, measuring 17.3x13mm. This sensor is paired with the TruePic V+ image processor, yielding good color depth (21.6 bits) and dynamic range (~10.5 EV), respectable for its time.

In contrast, the Panasonic ZS30 sports a tiny 1/2.3" 18MP CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55mm). This sensor’s physical area (28.07 sq mm) is roughly 8 times smaller than Olympus’s, a fundamental limitation when it comes to noise control and tonal gradation, especially in low light.

What does this translate to in practice?

• The E-5 delivers cleaner images at higher ISOs (up to 6400 native), with a DxO low-light score around 519 ISO equivalent.
• The Panasonic ZS30 employs advanced noise reduction, but the higher resolution 18MP sensor on such a small chip means fine detail can be soft and noise more noticeable above ISO 400-800.

Color depth also favors the Olympus, meaning smoother tonal transitions and more post-processing latitude. Dynamic range is likewise better, preserving highlights and shadows in challenging lighting.

In sum, for image quality purists and RAW shooters, the E-5’s sensor and processor combination remains robust even today.

Autofocus Systems - Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Autofocus can make or break your shooting experience, especially for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife.

The Olympus E-5 features an 11-point AF system, all cross-type, using a combination of phase detection and contrast detection. It supports face detection, live view autofocus, and continuous AF, but lacks tracking AF and has no eye or animal eye AF modes (not surprisingly for a 2011 model).

The Panasonic ZS30 deploys a more modern contrast-detection AF with 23 points and supports AF tracking during continuous shooting, coupled with touch-to-focus on the screen. While no face or eye detection is present, the ZS30’s 10 fps burst and autofocus tracking allow decent capturing of moving subjects at closer to point-and-shoot level.

After extensive field use:

• The Olympus’s phase-detection AF is generally more reliable for stationary and slower subjects, but hunting can occur in low light.
• The Panasonic’s contrast AF is slower and prone to occasional “hunting” but its continuous AF with tracking helps when shooting quick scenes like street or travel snapshots.

Burst Rate and Buffering - Catch the Action

If sports or wildlife photography is on your radar, burst speed and buffer depth matter.

• Olympus E-5 captures at 5 fps, a respectable speed, but buffer depth is limited compared to modern cameras.
• Panasonic ZS30’s smaller sensor and simpler processor allow 10 fps bursts, but image quality and autofocus locking bear the trade-off.

Neither camera is a speed demon by today’s standards, but for their classes, they deliver feasible action capture options.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders - Compose Your Shot Your Way

Both models feature 3-inch 920k dot LCDs; however, their articulation varies:

• Olympus E-5’s fully articulating touchscreen-less LCD is excellent for video and awkward angles, plus its optical pentaprism viewfinder offers 100% coverage with 0.58x magnification, giving a bright and accurate framing experience.
• Panasonic ZS30 lacks a viewfinder, relying solely on its fixed touchscreen LCD. Outdoors under strong sun, this can be frustrating.

If you prefer eye-level shooting or video work with flexible angles, Olympus has the clear edge.

Sample Images and Real-World Performance - Looking at the Results

Here are various side-by-side sample shots I took under controlled conditions and in the field. Notice how the Olympus E-5 renders portrait skin tones with natural warmth and smooth bokeh, creating pleasing subject isolation thanks to its larger sensor and 4:3 aspect ratio.

The Panasonic ZS30, while sharp with its superzoom lens, shows more aggressive noise reduction in low light and less creamy bokeh given its slower lens and small sensor.

Olympus E 5 front Olympus E 5 screen back Panasonic ZS30 front Panasonic ZS30 screen back

Landscapes taken with the E-5 reveal richer detail and dynamic range, especially notable in shadow recovery and highlight retention compared to the ZS30’s images, which tend to clip highlights sooner.

The Panasonic’s extensive zoom range (20x optical, 24-480mm equivalent) offers versatility for travel and wildlife snapshots, but image quality drops off a bit at the extreme telephoto end.

Specialized Photography Use Cases - Which Camera Fits Which Photography Genre?

Let’s break down performance by major photography disciplines, based on my tests and known camera characteristics:

Build Quality and Durability - Ready for Adventure?

The Olympus E-5’s weather-sealed chassis sets it apart for photographers who shoot in rain or dusty environments. Magnesium-alloy insulation and a durable shutter rated for 150,000 cycles ensure longevity.

The Panasonic ZS30, designed for travel ease, is compact but lacks any form of environmental sealing.

If your photography inclines toward demanding outdoor conditions, the Olympus is the clear choice.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility - Open or Fixed?

Here is a major system difference:

• Olympus E-5 uses the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, compatible with over 45 lenses ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, including macro and professional-grade optics.

• Panasonic ZS30 has a fixed zoom lens (24-480mm equivalent), f/3.3–6.4, with no option to swap lenses.

While the Panasonic’s superzoom covers nearly every focal length a traveler might want, you sacrifice the creative understanding and optical quality that interchangeable lenses afford. The Olympus system’s lens versatility is a huge advantage if you want to grow your photography.

Battery Life and Storage - Keep Shooting Longer

Battery capacity is often overlooked - until it’s time to change the battery mid-shoot.

• Olympus E-5’s BLM-5 battery delivers approximately 870 shots per charge, impressive for its class and age.
• Panasonic ZS30 offers about 260 shots, typical for compact cameras but requiring more frequent recharges or battery swaps.

In storage, the Olympus supports two memory card slots (Compact Flash and SD), allowing overflow or backup shooting - a pro feature. Panasonic offers only one SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

Connectivity and Extras - Modern Conveniences

The Panasonic ZS30 includes built-in GPS for geotagging and wireless connectivity for quick sharing, perks for casual photographers and travellers. However, it lacks Bluetooth or NFC, which are becoming more common.

The Olympus E-5, while sturdy and powerful, offers no wireless features, which might be a downside if you need instant sharing or remote control.

Both provide HDMI out and USB 2.0 ports but only the Olympus supports an external microphone for improved audio on videos.

Video Capture - Still vs Moving Images

Video shooters may be drawn to Panasonic’s superior specs:

• ZS30 records 1080p Full HD at 60fps, with MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs, plus touch AF during filming for fluid focus changes.
• Olympus E-5 caps video at 720p 30fps, with Motion JPEG format, older and bulkier workflow.

However, Olympus offers a microphone port, a nice pro feature, whereas the ZS30 lacks audio input or headphone monitoring.

If video performance is a priority, Panasonic’s compact system offers more flexibility. For casual or hybrid shooters, Olympus can still deliver decent clips.

Price and Value Analysis - What’s the Fit for Your Budget?

At launch prices:

• Olympus E-5: roughly $1700 body only.
• Panasonic ZS30: approximately $250, all-in compact zoom.

Of course, the Olympus system requires investment in lenses, accessories, and possible upgrades, pushing total cost higher but ensuring professional quality and adaptability.

The Panasonic is an excellent value for travelers or casual shooters wanting a simple all-in-one solution without hassle.

When analyzing price-to-performance ratio, consider your shooting ambitions and priorities. Spend more for the Olympus if you need ultimate control and image quality; save with the Panasonic if portability and versatility within a modest budget matter most.

Final Thoughts - Who Should Buy Which?

If you want my personal takeaway:

• Go for the Olympus E-5 if you aim for serious DSLR experience - robust build, expansive lens options, superior image quality, and weather durability. It suits portrait, landscape, macro, night, and professional work, with a reliable battery and ergonomics to match. The learning curve is steeper, but the rewards are substantial.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix ZS30 if you need an ultra-portable, easy-to-use travel zoom capable of covering wide to super telephoto focal lengths with decent image quality under good light. It shines for street photography, fast casual shooting, and video at 1080p. Just don’t expect high ISO performance or RAW capture.

Photography gear decisions are always about matching your creative style and logistical preferences with what technology delivers at your price point. The E-5 and ZS30 represent two vastly different approaches - one a rugged advanced DSLR system, the other a compact superzoom camera for instant gratification.

Whichever you choose, remember that the best camera is the one you have at hand and know well. Happy shooting!

If you found this comparison useful, check out my in-depth video review where I demonstrate autofocus behavior, ergonomics, and image samples in various lighting scenarios. Also, explore my recommended lenses and accessories for the Olympus E-5 system to expand your creative possibilities.

Your questions and shooting stories are welcome - drop a comment below or reach out on social media. Let’s keep the conversation rolling!

End of review article