Olympus E-600 vs Panasonic ZS5

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-600 vs Panasonic ZS5, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-600 (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is relatively close but the E-600 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

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The E-600 was introduced 9 months before the ZS5 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-600 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the E-600 scores versus the ZS5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-600 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-600 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-600 offers exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") along with a weight of 515 grams (1.14 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

See the Olympus E-600 vs Panasonic ZS5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-600 and the ZS5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-600 and ZS5 is 71 and 92 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements simply by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic here may give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-600 and ZS5.

Clearly, both of the cameras provide the same MP albeit different sensor measurements. The E-600 comes with the bigger sensor which should make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The older E-600 will be behind in sensor innovation.