Olympus E-P5 vs Olympus VH-515

Here is a thorough review of the Olympus E-P5 and Olympus VH-515, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Olympus. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the E-P5 (16MP) and VH-515 (12MP) and the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and VH-515 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P5 was brought out 14 months later than the VH-515 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VH-515 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-P5 grades against the VH-515 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P5 and Olympus VH-515. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P5 Gallery and Olympus VH-515 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-P5 has outside dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") along with a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) and the Olympus VH-515 has specifications of 102mm x 60mm x 21mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P5 and Olympus VH-515 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-P5 and the VH-515.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P5 and VH-515 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing only by checking technical specs. The photograph underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P5 and VH-515.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P5 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-P5 will give you more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images far more aggressively. The newer E-P5 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.