Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic S5 II

Let's look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic S5 II, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-M1 II (20MP) and the S5 II (24MP) is pretty well matched but the E-M1 II (Four Thirds) and S5 II (Full frame) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M1 II was brought out 7 years before the S5 II which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-M1 II scores vs the S5 II in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 II Gallery and Panasonic S5 II Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M1 II features outside measurements of 134mm x 91mm x 67mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.6") and a weight of 574 grams (1.27 lbs) and the Panasonic S5 II has sizing of 134mm x 102mm x 90mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic S5 II in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-M1 II and the S5 II.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 II and S5 II is 68 and 59 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes purely by reading through technical specs. The image below will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1 II and S5 II.

As you have seen, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 II featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic S5 II will resolve more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged E-M1 II is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.