Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZS5

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZS5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

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The E-P1 was brought out 10 months earlier than the ZS5 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-P1 scores vs the ZS5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P1 provides external dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS5 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZS5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-P1 versus the ZS5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and ZS5 is 86 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements just by checking specs. The visual below should offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and ZS5.

All in all, both of those cameras have the same megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The E-P1 offers the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF simpler. The older E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.