Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS80

In this article, we will be looking at the Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS80, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the ZS80 (20MP) is relatively close but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and ZS80 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M5 was unveiled 6 years earlier than the ZS80 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-M5 scores vs the ZS80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 has got physical measurements of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS80 has specifications of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is the front view scale comparison of the E-M5 and the ZS80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M5 and ZS80 is 81 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizes just by viewing specs. The pic underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M5 and ZS80.

All in all, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-M5 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS80 will provide you with extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged E-M5 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.