Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic SZ5: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing your next camera can be daunting, especially when considering two very different models like the Olympus PEN E-PL2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. Both arrived in the early 2010s, catering to entry-level users, yet they offer distinct technologies, handling, and photographic capabilities. Drawing on years of extensive camera testing and analysis, this article delves into the real-world performance, technical nuances, and use cases of these cameras. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast looking to add a versatile shooter to your kit, you’ll find a detailed, unbiased assessment here.

Understanding The Basics: What Are We Comparing?

Before diving into specifics, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental design and category differences of these two models:

This comparison pits a hybrid interchangeable lens system against a fully integrated, pocketable camera with long zoom versatility. The Olympus aims to offer creative flexibility and image quality in the mirrorless segment, while the Panasonic focuses on ease, portability, and extended zoom reach.

Size and ergonomics clearly favor the Olympus for long shooting sessions, but Panasonic impresses with its ultra-compact footprint.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

One of the biggest factors separating these cameras is sensor size - a critical determiner of image quality potential.

Olympus E-PL2

• Sensor: Four Thirds CMOS, 17.3 x 13 mm, 12 MP
• Advantages: Larger sensor surface area (224.9 mm²) means better light gathering, less noise, richer color depth, and wider dynamic range.
• IQ Metrics: DxOMark scores a decent score 55 overall, with a color depth of 21.4 bits and dynamic range of 10.2 stops. Low-light ISO performance rated around 573 ISO in DxOMark tests.

Panasonic SZ5

• Sensor: 1/2.3” CCD, 6.08 x 4.56 mm, 14 MP
• Advantages: Higher pixel count but a much smaller sensor area (27.7 mm²), limiting high ISO and depth-of-field control.
• IQ Metrics: No official DxOMark data; generally, small sensors suffer more noise and limited dynamic range.

Implications for Your Photography

• Portraits: Olympus’ larger sensor provides more attractive background blur (bokeh) and better skin tone rendition, thanks to improved color accuracy and smoother tonal gradation.
• Landscapes: More detail retention and highlight recovery possible with the E-PL2’s sensor; Panasonic delivers less dynamic depth but compensates with a versatile zoom.
• Low Light & Night: The Olympus outperforms dramatically thanks to larger pixel size and better noise handling.

Sensor size difference is a primary driver for image quality. You want to assess this based on your priority: ultimate image quality or portability with zoom.

Build and Handling: Ergonomics Meet Practicality

How a camera feels in your hands can profoundly affect your shooting experience.

Olympus E-PL2

• Body Type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless with retro lines, sturdy magnesium alloy chassis.
• Physical Dimensions: 114 x 72 x 42 mm, 362 grams – fairly lightweight but substantial enough to feel balanced with lenses.
• Controls: More manual dial control, customizable buttons, and exposure modes like aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual.
• Screen: 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD with 460k dots, fixed type (non-touch), good visibility in varied lighting.
• Viewfinder: No built-in viewfinder, but compatible with an optional electronic VF.

Panasonic SZ5

• Body Type: Ultra-compact point and shoot.
• Physical Dimensions: 104 x 58 x 21 mm, 136 grams – ultra pocketable, easy to slip into a jacket pocket.
• Controls: Very simplified – no manual exposure modes, basic on-screen menus, designed for automatic shooting with minimal intervention.
• Screen: 3-inch TFT LCD with only 230k dots resolution, noticeably less bright and sharp than Olympus.
• Viewfinder: None.

Which Feels Right?

• If you want a camera you can grow with - to learn exposure control, use external flashes, and shoot manually - Olympus E-PL2 is a much better ergonomic and functional fit.
• If you favor absolute portability and “point-and-shoot” style convenience, especially while traveling light, the Panasonic SZ5 is the camera that will accompany you everywhere.

Controls on the Olympus are more extensive, suiting advanced users. Panasonic keeps the interface clean and basic.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Capturing the Moment With Confidence

Olympus E-PL2

• AF System: Contrast-detection with 11 focus points, including face detection, multi-area AF, continuous AF, and manual focusing.
• AF Speed: Responsive in good light, but contrast-based AF can hunt in lower light or low contrast scenes.
• Continuous Shooting: 3 fps - acceptable for casual sports or moving subjects but limited for action photography.

Panasonic SZ5

• AF System: Contrast-detection with 23 points, including face detection, multi-area, center-weighted spot focus.
• AF Speed: Optimized for point-and-shoot simplicity - adequate for static subjects but slow when tracking fast motion.
• Continuous Shooting: 2 fps. More basic compared to Olympus.

Real-World Observations

• For wildlife or sports, neither camera is ideal due to slower AF and modest frame rates, but Olympus gives a slight edge for tracking thanks to more sophisticated AF modes.
• For street and travel photography, both cameras perform decently in typical daylight, though Olympus’s AF tends to be more reliable in mixed lighting.
• The lack of continuous live view AF on the SZ5 hampers video autofocus smoothness.

Lens Systems and Zoom Flexibility: Limitations and Potential

Olympus E-PL2: Micro Four Thirds Ecosystem

• Fully interchangeable lens system with access to over 100 lenses, including prime, zoom, macro, and specialty optics.
• Focal length multiplier ~2.1x on lenses; e.g., a 25mm prime acts like 50mm equivalent.
• Sensor stabilization is sensor-shift based, helping with handheld shooting across mounted lenses.

Panasonic SZ5: Fixed Lens Zoom

• Built-in 10x optical zoom lens (25–250mm equivalent).
• Aperture ranges from F3.1 wide open to F5.9 telephoto, limiting low light performance at longer focal lengths.
• Macro close focus at 5cm enables creative close-up shots without extra gear.

Consider Your Shooting Style

• Portrait and macro photographers will appreciate Olympus’s lens choices and superior optical quality.
• Travelers and casual photographers who want ready-to-go zoom flexibility benefit from the Panasonic’s integrated 10x zoom coverage without fuss.

Display and User Interface: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

Olympus offers a higher resolution, high-quality LCD screen contributing to better image review and framing confidence in bright environments.

• Olympus E-PL2’s 3-inch 460k dots LCD offers superior clarity, especially outdoors, maintaining color accuracy with anti-reflective coating.
• Panasonic SZ5’s 230k dot TFT screen is more basic and harder to see in direct sunlight, limiting compositional precision and image scrutiny on the spot.

For photographers who prioritize detailed image assessment on camera, the E-PL2 clearly leads.

Video Capabilities: Basic HD Recording for Casual Use

Video specs are modest on both cameras:

Both produce basic HD video sufficient for casual use but lack professional features like 4K, microphone inputs, or advanced AF during video. Olympus’s sensor stabilization may provide steadier handheld footage, especially with stabilized lenses.

Battery Life and Storage: Ready for Extended Use?

• Olympus E-PL2: Rated for approximately 280 shots per charge with the BLS-5 battery. Storage via single SD/SDHC card.
• Panasonic SZ5: Rated for about 250 shots per charge, single card slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC plus internal memory buffer.

For longer outings, the Olympus offers a slight edge in stamina. Both cameras rely on rechargeable lithium-ion packs, so carrying spares is advised.

Sample Images: Seeing is Believing

Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back Panasonic SZ5 front Panasonic SZ5 screen back

Genre-Specific Strengths: Matching Cameras to Your Style

Overall Performance and Value: What Do We Get?

• The Olympus E-PL2 is clearly the more capable camera for photographers who want greater creative control, better image quality, and the option to invest in lenses to fit different genres.
• The Panasonic SZ5 suits casual users who crave easy operation, long zoom flexibility, and compact size, but sacrifices image quality, manual control, and expandability.

Technical Takeaways for Insightful Buyers

• Sensor Size Matters: The Four Thirds sensor on Olympus is approximately 8 times larger than the Panasonic’s 1/2.3” sensor, translating directly to superior image quality, noise control, and low light capacity.
• Interchangeable Lens Advantage: Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount lets you customize focal length, aperture, and specialty lenses - critical for exploring specific niches like portraiture or macro photography.
• JPEG vs RAW: Olympus supports RAW output, essential for post-processing flexibility; Panasonic outputs only JPEG, limiting your editing latitude.
• Autofocus Technology: Contrast-detect AF is standard on both; however, Olympus’s more mature AF implementation gives smoother, more reliable focusing, especially in challenging scenarios.
• Video Features: Basic HD video quality is comparable, but neither camera supports 4K or professional video needs - acceptable for casual video capture only.
• Ergonomics and Control: Olympus’s more complete exposure modes, physical buttons, and customizable settings benefit photographers stepping beyond fully automatic operation.
• Connectivity: Panasonic includes built-in wireless connectivity for easy sharing, an advantage for casual users; Olympus lacks wireless features.
• Build and Durability: Neither camera has weather sealing; Olympus’s heavier body feels more substantial; Panasonic’s slender design excels in portability.
• Battery and Storage: Similar battery life; both rely on SD cards, but Panasonic adds internal memory backup which may help occasional snaps.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

When to Choose Olympus E-PL2

• You’re ready to dive into manual exposure modes and want room to grow your creativity.
• You value image quality for portraits, landscapes, and moderate action photography.
• You want to use interchangeable lenses and accessories that enhance your photographic toolkit.
• You shoot frequently in moderately low-light settings and want better noise control.
• You prefer physical controls and a robust camera feel during long shoots.

When to Choose Panasonic SZ5

• You want a lightweight, highly portable camera you can carry everywhere hassle-free.
• You enjoy an all-in-one zoom lens without changing lenses or managing extra gear.
• Simplicity, point-and-shoot operation, and quick sharing are your priorities.
• Your main subjects are everyday travel, casual snapshots, and family events.
• You’re on a tighter budget and don’t require RAW files or advanced control.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision Count

Both the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix SZ5 have their place. The Olympus fosters creative growth with a robust sensor and lens ecosystem, ideal for enthusiasts wanting quality and control. The Panasonic offers exceptional convenience and zoom versatility for casual users prioritizing portability.

We encourage hands-on testing of both models if possible. Feel their ergonomics, try the autofocus in your typical shooting conditions, and gauge how easily you can navigate menus. Consider your photographic goals: do you wish to expand into multiple genres and post-processing, or do you need an easy-to-carry, reliable everyday camera?

Gather the right accessories such as spare batteries, memory cards, and possibly an external flash for the Olympus, or a protective case for the Panasonic. Remember, the camera is only as good as how it fits your creative intent.

Embark on your photography journey with confidence - whether with the Olympus E-PL2’s creative possibilities or the Panasonic SZ5’s portable convenience, both cameras can help you capture moments worth cherishing.

Ready to explore further? Check out the latest Micro Four Thirds lenses for the Olympus, and find reviews comparing similar compact zoom cameras to the Panasonic SZ5 to see what improvements newer models have brought. Your perfect camera match is out there.