Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic LS5

Let's look more closely at the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic LS5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the LS5 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and LS5 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was released very close to the LS5 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-P3 matches up vs the LS5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic LS5 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 has got exterior dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Panasonic LS5 has measurements of 97mm x 62mm x 27mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic LS5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-P3 vs the LS5.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and LS5 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing only by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P3 and LS5.

Clearly, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic LS5 will offer extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively.