Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic TS5

Following is a thorough comparison of the Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic TS5, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Waterproof by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and TS5 (16MP) and the E-520 (Four Thirds) and TS5 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-520 was brought out 5 years prior to the TS5 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic TS5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-520 scores versus the TS5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-520 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Panasonic TS5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-520 comes with external dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) while the Panasonic TS5 has proportions of 110mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic TS5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-520 and the TS5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-520 and TS5 is 68 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to see the contrast in sensor sizes purely by going through a spec sheet. The picture below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-520 and TS5.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-520 because of its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic TS5 will produce extra detail having its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged E-520 will be behind in sensor technology.