Olympus E-M1 III vs Panasonic S5 II X

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-M1 III vs Panasonic S5 II X, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-M1 III (20MP) and the S5 II X (24MP) is relatively close but the E-M1 III (Four Thirds) and S5 II X (Full frame) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The E-M1 III was released 3 years before the S5 II X which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-M1 III matches up versus the S5 II X in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II X. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 III Gallery and Panasonic S5 II X Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 III offers outer dimensions of 134mm x 91mm x 69mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S5 II X has proportions of 134mm x 102mm x 90mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 III vs Panasonic S5 II X in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-M1 III against the S5 II X.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 III and S5 II X is 67 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to picture the gap in sensor sizes just by looking through a spec sheet. The pic here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 III and S5 II X.

Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 III because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic S5 II X will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged E-M1 III will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.