Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic ZS30

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic ZS30, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is relatively similar but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P5 was revealed 9 months later than the ZS30 so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-P5 scores vs the ZS30 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P5 has outer measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS30 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic ZS30 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-P5 and the ZS30.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P5 and ZS30 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to visualize the gap between sensor measurements only by going over specifications. The graphic here will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P5 and ZS30.

To sum up, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-P5 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS30 will offer extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more modern E-P5 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.