Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic S5

Below is a comprehensive overview of the Olympus E-P2 and Panasonic S5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-P2 (12MP) and S5 (24MP) and the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and S5 (Full frame) posses different sensor sizes.

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The E-P2 was announced 11 years earlier than the S5 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-P2 scores against the S5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Panasonic S5 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P2 enjoys external dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Panasonic S5 has proportions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-P2 and Panasonic S5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the E-P2 compared to the S5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P2 and S5 is 86 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements only by going through technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P2 and S5.

As you have seen, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-P2 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic S5 will produce extra detail with its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older E-P2 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.