Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic ZS80

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic ZS80, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the ZS80 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and ZS80 (1/2.3") use different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL5 was manufactured 6 years earlier than the ZS80 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-PL5 grades against the ZS80 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 has exterior 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 ZS80 has proportions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic ZS80 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL5 against the ZS80.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and ZS80 is 88 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading through technical specs. The picture below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and ZS80.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL5 because of its bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh easier and the Panasonic ZS80 will give greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-PL5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.