Olympus E-500 vs Olympus E-P5

Its time to look closer at the Olympus E-500 versus Olympus E-P5, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are created by Olympus. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-500 (8MP) and E-P5 (16MP) but they possess the same exact sensor size (Four Thirds).

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The E-500 was brought out 9 years before the E-P5 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-500 scores against the E-P5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-500 & Olympus PEN E-P5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-500 Gallery & Olympus E-P5 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-500 features outer measurements of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-P5 has proportions of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-500 versus Olympus E-P5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the E-500 and the E-P5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-500 and E-P5 is 70 and 85 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes purely by going through specs. The picture below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-500 and E-P5.

All in all, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Olympus E-P5 to produce extra detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged E-500 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.