Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

The following is a thorough overview of the Olympus E-PL5 versus Olympus SZ-16 iHS, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are designed by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL5 was launched 3 months prior to the SZ-16 iHS and they are of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the E-PL5 grades against the SZ-16 iHS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL5 enjoys physical dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-16 iHS has dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL5 versus Olympus SZ-16 iHS in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL5 versus the SZ-16 iHS.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and SZ-16 iHS is 88 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the gap in sensor dimensions purely by going through a spec sheet. The pic below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and SZ-16 iHS.

Clearly, the two cameras feature the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL5 includes the larger sensor which should make getting shallow depth of field simpler.