Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic ZS45

Lets look more in depth at the Olympus E-P5 and Panasonic ZS45, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the ZS45 (16MP) is very close but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and ZS45 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-P5 was revealed 15 months before the ZS45 making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-P5 grades vs the ZS45 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-P5 comes with outer dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS45 has specifications of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P5 and Panasonic ZS45 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-P5 against the ZS45.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-P5 and ZS45 is 85 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements only by viewing specifications. The graphic underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P5 and ZS45.

Plainly, the two cameras have the same MP but not the same sensor measurements. The E-P5 includes the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier. The older E-P5 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.