Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic LS5

Lets look more closely at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic LS5, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the LS5 (14MP) is pretty close but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and LS5 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL2 was launched 5 months before the LS5 which means that they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-PL2 scores against the LS5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Panasonic LS5 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL2 comes with physical dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Panasonic LS5 has dimensions of 97mm x 62mm x 27mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic LS5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the E-PL2 against the LS5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and LS5 is 85 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizes just by looking through technical specs. The pic underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and LS5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL2 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic LS5 will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures far more aggressively.