Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus SH-50

Let's examine more closely at the Olympus E-PL5 and Olympus SH-50, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the SH-50 (16MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and SH-50 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was revealed 3 months prior to the SH-50 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL5 scores vs the SH-50 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Olympus SH-50. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Olympus SH-50 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL5 offers outer dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Olympus SH-50 has specifications of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL5 and Olympus SH-50 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL5 against the SH-50.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and SH-50 is 88 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizing merely by going over specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and SH-50.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 has got the larger sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler.