Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus VH-515

Let's take a deeper look at the Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus VH-515, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Olympus. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and VH-515 (12MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and VH-515 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was released around the same time to the VH-515 which means that they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VH-515 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PL5 grades vs the VH-515 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Olympus VH-515. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Olympus VH-515 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 comes with external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Olympus VH-515 has proportions of 102mm x 60mm x 21mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8") along with a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus VH-515 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL5 vs the VH-515.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and VH-515 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to see the gap in sensor measurements simply by researching a spec sheet. The visual here may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and VH-515.

As you can see, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL5 will render greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively.