Olympus E-M10 vs Olympus E-PL5

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus E-M10 and Olympus E-PL5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras and both are built by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-M10 (16MP) and the E-PL5 (16MP) is relatively similar and they come with the same exact sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-M10 was launched 19 months later than the E-PL5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-M10 scores vs the E-PL5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M10 and Olympus PEN E-PL5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M10 Gallery and Olympus E-PL5 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M10 has outside dimensions of 119mm x 82mm x 46mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 1.8") along with a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL5 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-M10 and Olympus E-PL5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the E-M10 vs the E-PL5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M10 and E-PL5 is 82 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to picture the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading technical specs. The photograph below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M10 and E-PL5.

As you can tell, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the same megapixels so you should expect similar quality of pictures though you need to take the release date of the products into consideration. The younger E-M10 should have a benefit in sensor tech.