Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic SZ5

Here is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic SZ5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1s was released 20 months prior to the SZ5 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL1s grades against the SZ5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1s provides outside dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ5 has sizing of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic SZ5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL1s vs the SZ5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and SZ5 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by checking a spec sheet. The graphic below may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1s and SZ5.

Clearly, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic SZ5 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.