Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS100

Following is a detailed assessment of the Olympus E-M5 versus Panasonic ZS100, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is relatively similar but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and ZS100 (1") provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-M5 was revealed 4 years earlier than the ZS100 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the E-M5 grades versus the ZS100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 provides outside dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-M5 versus Panasonic ZS100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the E-M5 versus the ZS100.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-M5 and ZS100 is 81 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizes just by reading technical specs. The image below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M5 and ZS100.

As you can tell, the two cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-M5 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-M5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.