Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-M5

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-M5, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless and both are built by Olympus. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and E-M5 (16MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-520 was manufactured 4 years before the E-M5 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-520 scores against the E-M5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-520 & Olympus OM-D E-M5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-520 Gallery & Olympus E-M5 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-520 enjoys outer measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) while the Olympus E-M5 has measurements of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-M5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-520 and the E-M5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-520 and E-M5 is 68 and 81 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-520 and E-M5.

As you can see, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You can count on the Olympus E-M5 to resolve more detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older E-520 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.