Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic ZS200

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic ZS200, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the ZS200 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and ZS200 (1") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL5 was manufactured 6 years earlier than the ZS200 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PL5 grades vs the ZS200 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS200 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 has outer measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS200 has measurements of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") and a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic ZS200 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL5 and the ZS200.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and ZS200 is 88 and 86 respectively.

Often, it's hard to see the difference between sensor sizing simply by checking a spec sheet. The visual below will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and ZS200.

Clearly, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS200 will give you greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older E-PL5 is going to be behind in sensor tech.