Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic FX580

Following is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic FX580, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the E-P5 (16MP) and FX580 (12MP) and the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and FX580 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-P5 was brought out 4 years after the FX580 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-P5 grades vs the FX580 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P5 Gallery and Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P5 features exterior measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) while the Panasonic FX580 has dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic FX580 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-P5 compared to the FX580.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P5 and FX580 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes purely by going through a spec sheet. The picture here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P5 and FX580.

Clearly, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-P5 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh easier and the Olympus E-P5 will provide more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more modern E-P5 should have an edge in sensor innovation.