Olympus OM-D E-M5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera can be a complex decision, dependent on your photography style, technical needs, and budget considerations. Today, we'll rigorously compare two cameras that, while from respected brands, occupy very different niches: the Olympus OM-D E-M5, an advanced enthusiast-level mirrorless camera launched in 2012, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5, a straightforward small sensor compact camera released a year earlier. Both models have their merits but cater to vastly distinct photographic requirements.

Having personally tested hundreds of cameras over the last decade, including both mirrorless systems and compact point-and-shoots, I approach this comparison focusing on practical performance, technical sophistication, and user suitability across diverse genres - from portraiture and landscapes to wildlife and video. This article will guide both enthusiasts considering an upgrade and professionals assessing serve-as-secondary options.

First Impressions: Body Design, Build, and Handling

The fundamental distinction begins with the form factor. The Olympus E-M5 presents itself as a robust, SLR-style mirrorless body with dimensions roughly 122 x 89 x 43 mm and weighing 425 grams, offering comprehensive control and excellent ergonomics for extended shooting. Its magnesium alloy chassis features environmental sealing, providing resistance against dust and light moisture - an important consideration for outdoor photographers.

Contrastingly, the Panasonic LS5 is a compact point-and-shoot measuring 97 x 62 x 27 mm and tipping the scales at a mere 126 grams. This makes it ultra-portable and pocket-friendly but correspondingly simplified in handling and robustness, with a plastic body lacking any weather sealing.

From the top view, the E-M5 boasts dedicated dials for exposure mode, ISO, and exposure compensation, plus a custom function button and an external hot shoe for flash - features invaluable to those seeking granular exposure control and creative lighting. The LS5, designed for casual users, offers minimal physical controls - no manual exposure modes or hot shoe compatibility, relying heavily on software automation.

Ergonomics Verdict: For photographers prioritizing manual control, build quality, and adaptability, the Olympus clearly leads. The Panasonic appeals chiefly to those valuing sheer compactness and simplicity, at the expense of flexibility.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Technological Divide

At the heart of each camera lies a sensor that significantly shapes image quality potential.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Sensor

The E-M5 employs a 16-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, with a sensor area of approximately 225 mm² - substantially larger than most compacts. The sensor is paired with the TruePic VI image processor, enabling notable improvements in noise handling and dynamic range for a camera of its class and era.

Notably, the sensor uses a conventional anti-aliasing filter to mitigate moiré, which slightly softens the resolution but aids overall image clarity, especially with complex textures. According to DxOmark's testing, this sensor scores highly in color depth (22.8 bits), dynamic range (12.3 EV), and low-light performance (native ISO sensitivity best around ISO 826), placing it solidly in the advanced enthusiast mirrorless category.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 Sensor

In contrast, the LS5 sports a CCD sensor with a very compact 1/2.3" size (6.08 x 4.56 mm), an area just 27.7 mm², about one eighth that of the Olympus. Its resolution is 14 megapixels, providing marginally fewer pixels at a comparable pixel pitch density. The smaller size impacts depth of field control, dynamic range, and noise performance, limiting low-light shooting capabilities.

The CCD technology, while economical at the time, lacks many advantages of CMOS sensors regarding noise control and live preview refresh rates. There's no RAW support, limiting post-processing latitude.

Practical Impact for Photographers

In real-world shooting, the Olympus delivers superior color fidelity, greater dynamic range to preserve highlight and shadow details in challenging scenes, and better ISO latitude for low-light conditions. The Panasonic is suited primarily for well-lit casual photography and quickly shoots snapshots, but struggles in professional or high-demand scenarios.

Image Quality Takeaway: The E-M5’s sensor technology represents a significant technical advantage, offering both photographers and videographers the flexibility essential for creative control and professional results.

Autofocus Systems and Performance in Diverse Scenarios

Autofocus capabilities are crucial, especially for genres requiring fast or precise focusing such as wildlife or sports.

Olympus E-M5 Autofocus

Olympus equips the E-M5 with a 35-point contrast-detection autofocus system featuring touch-screen selection, continuous AF, face detection, and multi-area tracking. While it lacks phase detection autofocus, which was uncommon in mirrorless cameras of that era, the system is responsive in good light and responsive enough for most enthusiast needs, including moderate action photography.

It supports selectable AF modes (single, continuous, tracking) and multi-area options, giving photographers control tailored to their subjects.

Panasonic LS5 Autofocus

The LS5, conversely, provides a fixed 9-point contrast-detection AF system with only center-weighted focus and face detection. It supports single AF only, with no continuous tracking or manual focus override. The focusing speed is modest, and in low contrast or low light often struggles.

This limits its use for moving subjects or fast-changing scenarios.

Viewing, Composing, and Interface: Finding Your Frame

Olympus E-M5 Viewing System

The E-M5 features a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1.44-million-dot resolution covering 100% frame coverage and providing a 0.58x magnification - unparalleled flexibility for composing in bright conditions or when preferring eye-level framing. Complementing this, the camera incorporates a tilting 3” touchscreen LCD offering 610k dots resolution with touch autofocus and intuitive menu navigation.

Panasonic LS5 Viewing Experience

The LS5 has no viewfinder and instead relies on a fixed, non-touch 2.7-inch LCD with a modest 230k dot resolution. The lack of EVF and touchscreen limits workflow for professionals or enthusiasts who require rapid focusing or shoot in bright sunlight where LCDs are washed out.

Lens Ecosystem: Expanding Your Creative Toolkit

By virtue of its Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount, the Olympus E-M5 benefits from an extensive and mature lens selection, comprising over 100 native lenses plus countless third-party options. This ranges from ultra-fast primes ideal for portrait and low-light work to weather-sealed telephoto glass for wildlife and sports.

The effective focal length multiplier of 2.1x allows for reaching telephoto equivalence in a highly compact format - valuable for wildlife shooters wanting portability without sacrificing reach.

The Panasonic LS5 has a fixed zoom lens covering 26–130 mm equivalent with an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/6.5. This 5x zoom is versatile for everyday photography but lacks interchangeability or the ability to access specialty lenses.

Burst Rates, Shutter Characteristics, and Frame Rates for Action

Capturing movement convincingly requires capable burst shooting and a shutter system designed for responsiveness.

• Olympus E-M5: Up to 9 frames per second on the mechanical shutter, with shutter speeds ranging from 60 to 1/4000 sec.

• Panasonic LS5: Limited to a mere 1 frame per second continuous shooting, with a shutter speed range capped at 8 to 1/2000 sec.

Practical testing confirms the Olympus handles rapid sequences and moving subjects gracefully, a boon for sports or wildlife photography, while the Panasonic is unfit for capturing sustained action.

Stabilization and Low Light Performance

One of the Olympus E-M5’s standout features is its 5-axis in-body image stabilization, effectively compensating for camera shake in pitch, yaw, roll, and vertical/horizontal shift, enabling sharp handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds or with telephoto lenses.

The Panasonic LS5 only offers optical stabilization built into the lens, which provides some benefits but is inherently more limited compared with sensor-shift stabilization.

In dim conditions or night photography, the E-M5 maintains usable ISO sensitivities past ISO 1600 with acceptable noise, thanks to CMOS technology and advanced processing, whereas the LS5’s CCD sensor struggles, with noisy results at ISO values above 800 and a maximum native ISO of 6400 that is more theoretical than practical.

Video Capabilities: Who Should Shoot Moving Images?

The Olympus E-M5 can record Full HD 1080p video at 60fps using H.264 compression, incorporating manual exposure control and allowing for continuous autofocus during recording - essential features for videographers.

No microphone or headphone ports limit professional audio control, but the presence of an HDMI output allows for external monitoring.

The Panasonic LS5 is limited to 720p video at 30fps and uses Motion JPEG format, which is less efficient and results in larger files with lower image quality. No manual exposure modes or audio control features are available.

Battery Life and Storage Practicalities

Battery performance affects usability, especially for travel or extended sessions.

• Olympus E-M5: Utilizes the BLN-1 lithium-ion battery delivering an estimated 360 shots per charge per CIPA standards, respectable for a mirrorless system of this generation.

• Panasonic LS5: Runs on 2 AA batteries, rated for about 160 shots per set, more convenient for emergency replacements but less cost-effective and heavier with spares.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; the E-M5 accepts the latest high-speed cards suitable for burst shooting and HD video recording.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity is an area where both cameras show generational limitations given their release era.

• The Olympus E-M5 supports Eye-Fi card compatibility, enabling wireless image transfer functionalities when used with an Eye-Fi SD card. It offers USB 2.0 and HDMI output but lacks Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi without accessories.

• The Panasonic LS5 has no wireless capabilities and only USB 2.0 for computer tethering.

Both cameras lack GPS and advanced wireless imaging workflows standard in today's models.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Olympus E M5 front Olympus E M5 screen back Panasonic LS5 front Panasonic LS5 screen back

To provide context, let us consider the suitability of each camera in key photographic disciplines:

Portraiture

• Olympus: Its larger sensor and comprehensive autofocus with face detection deliver accurate skin tone rendition, pleasing bokeh from fast primes, and precise eye detection (manual focus override available). Enables artistic shallow depth of field.

• Panasonic: Limited by small sensor and fixed aperture lens, struggles with low light and bokeh control; adequate for casual portrait snapshots.

Landscape

• Olympus: Strong dynamic range captures broad tonality, weather sealing allows rugged outdoor use, tilting LCD helps framing. High resolution and RAW support aid post-processing.

• Panasonic: Lower dynamic range restricts highlight/shadow detail; fixed zoom limits framing flexibility; no weather sealing.

Wildlife & Sports

• Olympus: Fast burst mode, 5-axis IS, and effective telephoto reach rival entry-level DSLRs for small and medium wildlife; AF continuous mode tracks moving subjects acceptably.

• Panasonic: Too slow focus and burst frame rate make it unsuitable for action.

Street & Travel

• Olympus: Slightly bulkier but still manageable; excellent image quality and stabilization; strong battery life.

• Panasonic: Ultra-compact and light, ideal for casual street shooting without attracting attention; limited controls for serious photographers.

Macro & Close-up

• Olympus: Interchangeable lenses and sensor IS allow true macro photography with precise focusing.

• Panasonic: Limited macro range and no manual focus restricts creative potential.

Night and Astro

• Olympus: Better high ISO performance and long exposure support, enabling nightscapes and astrophotography with reasonable noise.

• Panasonic: Limited due to small sensor and noise at elevated ISOs.

Video

• Olympus: Offers Full HD video with manual options and continuous AF.

• Panasonic: Basic 720p video only.

Overall Ratings and Value Assessment

When evaluating the overall experience, image quality, and versatility, the Olympus E-M5 demonstrates clear superiority in every technical metric, though at a price point ($799) more than double the Panasonic LS5’s (~$294).

The LS5’s extremely compact size and ease of use justify its affordable price but as a secondary or casual camera rather than a primary photographic tool.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Olympus OM-D E-M5
Best for: Enthusiast photographers and professionals demanding manual control, shooting flexibility, superior image quality, and robust weather-resistant build; versatile across all genres including portraits, landscapes, wildlife, macro, and video.

Key strengths:

• Large Four Thirds sensor with excellent image quality
• Advanced 5-axis sensor stabilization
• Weather-sealed, durable construction
• Comprehensive manual controls and lens ecosystem
• 1080p Full HD video with manual exposure
• Good autofocus and burst speed for action

Limitations:

• Older AF tech compared to modern mirrorless cameras
• No built-in flash
• No microphone/headphone jacks for advanced audio

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5
Best for: Casual photographers, beginners, or users prioritizing extreme portability and simple operation; works well for everyday snapshots and vacations without specialized demands.

Key strengths:

• Lightweight, pocket-friendly compact design
• Simple point-and-shoot usability
• Decent zoom range for casual use
• Uses common AA batteries, easy for travel

Limitations:

• Small 1/2.3” sensor limits image quality and low-light performance
• No manual exposure modes or advanced focusing
• Limited video capability
• No weather sealing or external flash support

Conclusion: The Right Tool for Your Vision

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 remains a commendable mirrorless camera for anyone serious about expanding creativity and mastering photography fundamentals across disciplines, an advantage especially for professionals needing a reliable secondary system or advanced amateurs upgrading from entry-level models.

On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 fills the casual compact niche, offering straightforward operation and portability at an attractive price but sacrificing advanced features, image quality, and creative control.

Ultimately, understanding and aligning your photographic intentions with the respective technical capabilities, handling, and performance characteristics of these cameras will lead to the most satisfying investment and creative fulfillment.

If you found this review helpful or have specific needs not covered here, feel free to reach out with questions - choosing the optimal photographic partner starts with informed decisions grounded in tested expertise.

Images courtesy of respective official product releases and in-house testing.