Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS35

On this page, we are contrasting the Olympus E-M5 and Panasonic ZS35, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the ZS35 (16MP) is fairly similar but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and ZS35 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The E-M5 was unveiled 20 months before the ZS35 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS35 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief view of how the E-M5 grades vs the ZS35 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS35 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-M5 enjoys 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) while the Panasonic ZS35 has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs).

See the Olympus E-M5 and Panasonic ZS35 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-M5 and the ZS35.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M5 and ZS35 is 81 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing only by going over specs. The graphic below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M5 and ZS35.

All in all, both cameras provide the same MP but different sensor sizing. The E-M5 provides the larger sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field easier. The older E-M5 is going to be behind in sensor tech.