Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic ZS45

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic ZS45, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-5 (12MP) and ZS45 (16MP) and the E-5 (Four Thirds) and ZS45 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-5 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the ZS45 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-5 grades vs the ZS45 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you should take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-5 provides external dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS45 has specifications of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic ZS45 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-5 vs the ZS45.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-5 and ZS45 is 58 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-5 and ZS45.

All in all, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-5 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS45 will give you extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older E-5 is going to be behind in sensor tech.