Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic SZ1

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-M5 and Panasonic SZ1, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the SZ1 (16MP) is pretty close but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M5 was introduced 4 months later than the SZ1 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-M5 scores against the SZ1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 features physical measurements of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ1 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M5 and Panasonic SZ1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the E-M5 vs the SZ1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M5 and SZ1 is 81 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to see the gap in sensor measurements merely by researching specifications. The photograph underneath will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M5 and SZ1.

Plainly, both cameras posses the exact same megapixels albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-M5 has got the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field less difficult.