Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic SZ5

In this article, we will be looking at the Olympus E-P5 and Panasonic SZ5, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-P5 was introduced 15 months after the SZ5 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-P5 matches up against the SZ5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P5 Gallery & Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P5 has physical measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ5 has measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P5 and Panasonic SZ5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the E-P5 compared to the SZ5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P5 and SZ5 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes purely by checking out specifications. The pic here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P5 and SZ5.

Plainly, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-P5 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-P5 will provide more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more modern E-P5 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.