Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic TS5

In this article, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic TS5, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and TS5 (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and TS5 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was announced 23 months prior to the TS5 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic TS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-P3 matches up versus the TS5 with regard 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 DMC-TS5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic TS5 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P3 provides physical measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Panasonic TS5 has dimensions of 110mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic TS5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the E-P3 and the TS5.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and TS5 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Often, it is hard to see the difference in sensor dimensions purely by seeing technical specs. The pic underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and TS5.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-P3 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic TS5 will provide extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged E-P3 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.