Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic LX5

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic LX5, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and LX5 (1/1.63") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL2 was introduced 10 months prior to the LX5 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a thorough comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-PL2 matches up versus the LX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 offers 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) while the Panasonic LX5 has sizing of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic LX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL2 against the LX5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and LX5 is 85 and 88 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor dimensions just by reviewing a spec sheet. The image below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and LX5.

Clearly, the 2 cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL2 with its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Olympus E-PL2 will offer you more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics more aggressively. The more aged E-PL2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.