Olympus E-M1 III vs Panasonic LX5

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus E-M1 III and Panasonic LX5, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-M1 III (20MP) and LX5 (10MP) and the E-M1 III (Four Thirds) and LX5 (1/1.63") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-M1 III was announced 8 years later than the LX5 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 III being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-M1 III scores vs the LX5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 III Gallery & Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 III has external measurements of 134mm x 91mm x 69mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LX5 has proportions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-M1 III and Panasonic LX5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-M1 III and the LX5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 III and LX5 is 67 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by going over technical specs. The graphic underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 III and LX5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-M1 III using its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-M1 III will offer greater detail with its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The fresher E-M1 III is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.