Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic ZS20

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic ZS20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P5 was introduced 18 months later than the ZS20 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-P5 scores versus the ZS20 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P5 features 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 Panasonic ZS20 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic ZS20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-P5 compared to the ZS20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P5 and ZS20 is 85 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor measurements just by checking out technical specs. The graphic underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P5 and ZS20.

As you can tell, both the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-P5 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-P5 will produce greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more recent E-P5 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.