Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic FH25

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic FH25, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the FH25 (16MP) is pretty close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and FH25 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was unveiled 21 months after the FH25 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH25 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-PL5 grades against the FH25 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic FH25 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 enjoys outside dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Panasonic FH25 has proportions of 99mm x 57mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic FH25 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the FH25.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and FH25 is 88 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes only by looking through a spec sheet. The picture here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and FH25.

Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL5 comes with the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult. The younger E-PL5 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.