Olympus E-M5 vs Olympus SP-565UZ

The following is a in-depth overview of the Olympus E-M5 and Olympus SP-565UZ, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Olympus. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the E-M5 (16MP) and SP-565UZ (10MP) and the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and SP-565UZ (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-M5 was unveiled 3 years after the SP-565UZ which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-565UZ being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-M5 grades vs the SP-565UZ in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Olympus SP-565UZ. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Olympus SP-565UZ Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 has got outside dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Olympus SP-565UZ has specifications of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M5 and Olympus SP-565UZ in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the E-M5 against the SP-565UZ.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M5 and SP-565UZ is 81 and 72 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions purely by going over a spec sheet. The pic below might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M5 and SP-565UZ.

Clearly, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-M5 having a larger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Olympus E-M5 will offer extra detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics more aggressively. The more modern E-M5 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.