Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic SZ5

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic SZ5, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the E-M1 II (20MP) and SZ5 (14MP) and the E-M1 II (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M1 II was manufactured 4 years after the SZ5 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-M1 II matches up against the SZ5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 II Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M1 II features outer measurements of 134mm x 91mm x 67mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.6") along with a weight of 574 grams (1.27 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ5 has sizing of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic SZ5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-M1 II compared to the SZ5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 II and SZ5 is 68 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes simply by checking specifications. The picture underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1 II and SZ5.

To sum up, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 II due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-M1 II will give you more detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The younger E-M1 II is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.