Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic GM5

Below is a extended overview of the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic GM5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and GM5 (16MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL1s was manufactured 4 years earlier than the GM5 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving through a in depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-PL1s grades vs the GM5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1s offers outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic GM5 has sizing of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic GM5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL1s and the GM5.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and GM5 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements simply by checking specs. The visual underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and GM5.

All in all, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Panasonic GM5 to resolve extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.