Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic SZ1

Following is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-P5 versus Panasonic SZ1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the SZ1 (16MP) is very comparable but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The E-P5 was announced 22 months after the SZ1 making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the E-P5 grades versus the SZ1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-P5 Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-P5 has outside 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) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-P5 versus Panasonic SZ1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the E-P5 against the SZ1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P5 and SZ1 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to picture the gap in sensor sizes only by seeing a spec sheet. The image here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P5 and SZ1.

As you can see, both cameras feature the identical megapixels but different sensor sizes. The E-P5 offers the larger sensor which will make getting shallow DOF less difficult. The more modern E-P5 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.