Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic S5

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic S5, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and S5 (24MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and S5 (Full frame) come with different sensor measurements.

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The E-P3 was launched 10 years prior to the S5 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-P3 scores versus the S5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic S5 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P3 has got outside measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Panasonic S5 has proportions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") with a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic S5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the E-P3 compared to the S5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and S5 is 86 and 60 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions only by checking out technical specs. The pic below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P3 and S5.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-P3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic S5 will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged E-P3 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.