Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus SZ-30MR

Lets look much closer at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Olympus SZ-30MR, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the SZ-30MR (16MP) is relatively close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and SZ-30MR (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was released 19 months after the SZ-30MR which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-PL5 matches up against the SZ-30MR with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Olympus SZ-30MR. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 provides outer measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-30MR has sizing of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Olympus SZ-30MR in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL5 against the SZ-30MR.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and SZ-30MR is 88 and 89 respectively.

Often, it's tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by viewing specifications. The pic here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and SZ-30MR.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL5 uses the bigger sensor which will make obtaining bokeh simpler. The more modern E-PL5 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.