Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic SZ3

Here is a extensive assessment of the Olympus E-M5 versus Panasonic SZ3, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is pretty close but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

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The E-M5 was revealed 8 months prior to the SZ3 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-M5 grades vs the SZ3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 Gallery & Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 has got outer dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ3 has specifications of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-M5 versus Panasonic SZ3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the E-M5 compared to the SZ3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M5 and SZ3 is 81 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing merely by looking through a spec sheet. The visual underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M5 and SZ3.

As you can see, the two cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count albeit different sensor sizing. The E-M5 offers the bigger sensor which will make achieving bokeh less difficult. The older E-M5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.