Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic FS15: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Cameras for Different Creators

Choosing the right camera often means balancing your creative ambitions, budget, and how you’ll use it in the field. Today, we're comparing two uniquely positioned cameras from Olympus and Panasonic: the Olympus E-PL5, an entry-level mirrorless with solid creative control, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15, a compact point-and-shoot built for ultimate portability.

Each camera represents a different era, class, and photographic philosophy. By examining their features, handling, technical capabilities, and performance across photography disciplines, we’ll help you find the ideal tool that suits your style - whether you’re just starting or refining your craft.

First Impressions: Form Factor and Ergonomics

Your camera's size, weight, and feel influence how often you'll shoot and how comfortably you can handle it during long sessions.

The Olympus E-PL5 sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body. It’s slim yet packed with physical controls, ideal for photographers who want tactile engagement.

The Panasonic FS15 epitomizes the ultracompact category - tiny, pocketable, and ready to go at a moment’s notice, but with fewer controls and less manual flexibility.

Key Differences:

The E-PL5’s more significant heft and ergonomics make it a better match if you often shoot with interchangeable lenses or want greater control. In contrast, the FS15 excels in spontaneous street or travel photography where lightness and quick accessibility matter most.

User Interface & Handling: Control Layout and Screen

Control layout impacts your ability to adjust settings quickly and intuitively in diverse shooting situations.

The Olympus E-PL5 offers a clear, well-organized array of physical controls, including dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and mode selection. Its tilting touchscreen LCD is a highlight, making it easier to frame shots from awkward angles.

Conversely, the Panasonic FS15 has a minimalist interface - no manual modes or physical exposures dials - which leads to a more straightforward but limited shooting experience.

Control and Screen Comparison

If you value learning manual photography or want quick control over exposure, the E-PL5's interface will support that growth well. However, if you prefer snapping pictures without fuss, the FS15’s simplicity might be more inviting.

Sensor & Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Cameras are fundamentally defined by their sensors - the component that captures the gigapixels of memories for you.

Olympus E-PL5 features a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with an anti-aliasing filter. Its sensor size is substantially larger than the Panasonic FS15’s 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm, 12MP).

Why does this matter?

• Larger sensors gather more light, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light.
• Bigger sensors produce more shallow depth of field, which is crucial for artistic portraits and subject isolation.
• The E-PL5 offers higher dynamic range and a wider color gamut due to newer sensor tech.

Performance Metrics (DxOMark for E-PL5; FS15 not tested):

Technically, the E-PL5's sensor is more capable of delivering crisp images with finer details, excellent color fidelity, and manageable noise at higher ISOs.

Autofocus & Burst Performance: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus precision and speed can make or break your shot, especially in fast-paced scenarios like wildlife or sports.

• Olympus E-PL5 uses contrast-detection AF with 35 points, face detection, and continuous autofocus. It can shoot 8fps in burst mode, good for capturing action sequences.
• Panasonic FS15 has 11 contrast-detection AF points, without face detection or tracking, and only 2fps burst shooting.

For photographers who rely on fast and accurate AF, especially when photographing moving subjects, the E-PL5 offers a significantly better toolkit.

Lens Ecosystem & Versatility: Expand Your Creative Toolkit

One of the compelling advantages of mirrorless systems like the Olympus E-PL5 is their interchangeable lens mount.

• Olympus E-PL5 features the Micro Four Thirds mount, supporting over 100 native lenses from Olympus and Panasonic plus third-party options. You can explore everything from wide-angle landscapes to portrait telephotos and macro lenses.
• Panasonic FS15 comes with a fixed lens (29-145mm equivalent), restricting your shooting to the built-in zoom.

The E-PL5’s lens system opens doors for creative experimentation. If you want to grow your skill with different focal lengths or styles, the mirrorless route is ideal.

Build Quality & Durability: Taking Your Camera Outdoors

Neither camera offers extensive weather sealing, but their build quality reflects their market positioning.

• The E-PL5 features a sturdy metal chassis with a comfortable grip, built for serious photographers who need more than just a casual point-and-shoot.
• The FS15 prioritizes compactness and light weight; its plastic body makes it less rugged but highly portable.

Neither is designed for tough, wet environments but treat them with care outdoors.

Battery Life & Connectivity Features

Battery life affects how long you can shoot without recharging or carrying spares.

The E-PL5’s battery life is standard for mirrorless cameras of its generation, suitable for day trips without frequent charging. The FS15’s battery info isn’t detailed but is typical of compact cameras.

Wireless connectivity is minimal on both models; the E-PL5 supports Eye-Fi wireless SD cards for smart transfer but has no native WiFi or Bluetooth.

Image & Video Quality: What You Can Expect

Photography

• Portraits: The E-PL5’s larger sensor and support for fast prime lenses deliver creamy bokeh and smooth skin tones with excellent subject isolation. Its face detection AF boosts sharpness on eyes, vital for portraits.

• The FS15’s small sensor and fixed, modest aperture lens result in less background blur, flatter skin tones, and limited control over focus.

• Landscape: The E-PL5 captures wider dynamic range and sharper details, making it suited for landscapes. You’ll get better color depth and can change to wider or ultra-wide lenses.

• While the FS15 offers handy zoom, image quality will fall short when enlarging or cropping landscape shots.

• Wildlife & Sports: Faster burst rates, more effective AF, and interchangeable telephoto lenses make the E-PL5 far better equipped for action photography.

• The FS15’s slow autofocus and 2fps burst limit you to casual wildlife shots without fast action.

• Street & Travel: The FS15’s small size and quick startup make it excellent for street photography and travel snapshots when discretion and mobility count.

• While larger and also reasonably compact, the E-PL5 is more versatile on travel but less pocket-friendly.

• Macro: Both rely on lenses for macro; the E-PL5 allows dedicated macro optics.

• The FS15 has a fixed lens with a 5cm macro focus distance, enough for casual close-ups.

• Night & Astro: The large sensor, higher max ISO (25,600), and better noise handling on the E-PL5 support handheld night shots and astrophotography with long exposures.

• The FS15’s limited ISO and small sensor impede low-light performance.

Video

The E-PL5 shoots 1080p Full HD video with sensor-based stabilization, providing sharper handheld footage with less shake. The limited FS15 video specs restrict you to low-res VGA recordings, mainly casual clips.

Sample Images: Real-World Quality Comparison

See below a gallery comparing images shot side-by-side with both cameras in various settings - portrait, landscape, street, and macro.

Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back Panasonic FS15 front Panasonic FS15 screen back

You’ll notice:

• The E-PL5 images show better detail, vibrant yet natural colors, and smoother background blur.
• The FS15 photos are softer with higher noise, especially in challenging light.

Performance Ratings & Camera Scores at a Glance

This breakdown shows the E-PL5’s strong performance across key criteria, while the FS15 lags behind, as expected from a compact point-and-shoot.

How These Cameras Fare Across Photography Genres

Olympus E-PL5:

• Excels in portraits, landscapes, and wildlife with its sensor size and lens options.
• Performs well in low-light and sports.
• Video capabilities support vlogging and casual filmmaking.
• Slightly bulkier but well-suited for travel and everyday carry if size is manageable.

Panasonic FS15:

• Suitable for street photography and travel when you want something light and simple.
• Limited performance in low light, sports, and professional work.
• Great as a versatile everyday snapper with minimal fuss.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Olympus E-PL5 Recommended For You If:

• You desire learning manual photography and want full creative control.
• You want to experiment with interchangeable lenses.
• You shoot a variety of subjects: portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or even casual video.
• You’re a beginner stepping into serious photography, or a hobbyist seeking affordable but capable gear.
• You value image quality, sensor size, and flexible handling.
• A compact but not pocket-sized camera is acceptable.

Panasonic FS15 Recommended For You If:

• You prioritize extreme portability and simplicity.
• You want a budget-friendly camera primarily for casual snapshots.
• You need something to slip in your pocket for immediate, fuss-free use.
• Manual controls and RAW files are not required.
• Your photography is mostly daytime outdoor or vacation snapshots.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Your Creative Vision with the Right Tool

Having tested thousands of cameras through real-world shoots and controlled lab protocols, I can confidently say that choosing between a mirrorless entry-level camera like the Olympus E-PL5 and a compact like Panasonic FS15 boils down to your creative goals.

If you want quality, flexibility, and room to grow, the E-PL5’s larger sensor, manual controls, and rich lens ecosystem make it a compelling choice. Given the price point around $400, it offers impressive value for those seeking an immersive photographic experience.

On the other hand, the FS15, at under $200, excels as a lightweight companion for casual users, travelers, or those on strict budgets who want point-and-shoot convenience. But don’t expect professional-grade results or advanced features.

Start with what inspires you - if it’s diving into the craft more deeply, we encourage exploring the Olympus system with essential prime lenses to get that creative edge. If portability and ease appeal more, the Panasonic might be the trusted everyday shooter you need.

Either way, hands-on testing, renting, or borrowing remains the best way to confirm which suits your shooting style and encourages you to create more.

Thank you for joining this detailed comparison! To continue your photography journey, check out compatible Micro Four Thirds lenses, accessories like portable flash units, and post-processing software that can elevate your images regardless of gear.

Happy shooting!