Olympus E-500 vs Olympus E-PL5

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-500 versus Olympus E-PL5, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are sold by Olympus. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the E-500 (8MP) and E-PL5 (16MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-500 was brought out 8 years earlier than the E-PL5 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-500 grades vs the E-PL5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-500 & Olympus PEN E-PL5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-500 Gallery & Olympus E-PL5 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-500 provides external measurements of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL5 has sizing of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-500 versus Olympus E-PL5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-500 against the E-PL5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-500 and E-PL5 is 70 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizes just by going through a spec sheet. The picture here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-500 and E-PL5.

As you can see, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You can count on the Olympus E-PL5 to provide extra detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged E-500 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.