Olympus E-M1 III vs Olympus E-PL5

Here is a detailed analysis of the Olympus E-M1 III and Olympus E-PL5, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are offered by Olympus. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-M1 III (20MP) and E-PL5 (16MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor size (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 III was revealed 7 years later than the E-PL5 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 III being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-M1 III grades vs the E-PL5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and Olympus PEN E-PL5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 III Gallery and Olympus E-PL5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 III enjoys external measurements of 134mm x 91mm x 69mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL5 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-M1 III and Olympus E-PL5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the E-M1 III vs the E-PL5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 III and E-PL5 is 67 and 88 respectively.

Generally, its tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading specifications. The visual below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 III and E-PL5.

Plainly, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Olympus E-M1 III to deliver extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent E-M1 III provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.