Olympus E-620 vs Panasonic ZS5

Its time to look closer at the Olympus E-620 versus Panasonic ZS5, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-620 (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the E-620 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-620 was revealed 11 months before the ZS5 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-620 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-620 scores vs the ZS5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-620 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-620 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-620 comes with physical dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") and a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS5 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-620 versus Panasonic ZS5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-620 and the ZS5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-620 and ZS5 is 71 and 92 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizing only by going through technical specs. The photograph here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-620 and ZS5.

As you can tell, each of the cameras provide the same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-620 offers the bigger sensor which should make getting bokeh simpler. The older E-620 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.