Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus SP-590 UZ

Following is a extensive review of the Olympus E-PL5 and Olympus SP-590 UZ, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Olympus. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL5 was released 3 years after the SP-590 UZ which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-PL5 matches up versus the SP-590 UZ in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Olympus SP-590 UZ. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 enjoys outer measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Olympus SP-590 UZ has measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") and a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL5 and Olympus SP-590 UZ in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the SP-590 UZ.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and SP-590 UZ is 88 and 72 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes just by viewing technical specs. The image underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and SP-590 UZ.

As you have seen, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL5 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Olympus E-PL5 will provide you with more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The fresher E-PL5 should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.