Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic ZS5

Let's look more closely at the Olympus E-P3 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-P3 (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") offer different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P3 was released 15 months later than the ZS5 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the E-P3 grades against the ZS5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-P3 enjoys external measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic ZS5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the E-P3 versus the ZS5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and ZS5 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements only by looking at technical specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P3 and ZS5.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide the same MP albeit different sensor measurements. The E-P3 offers the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF easier. The fresher E-P3 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.