Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic FX75: A Hands-On Expert Comparison for Photographers

Choosing the right camera can make all the difference in your creative journey. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast eager to level up or a seasoned professional scouting backup gear for specific tasks, understanding what each camera truly offers beyond spec sheets is essential. Today, we’re delving deeply into two distinct models from Olympus and Panasonic that target different user segments yet sometimes appeal to similar buyers: the Olympus PEN E-PL5, an entry-level mirrorless camera, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75, a compact point-and-shoot.

Drawing on extensive hands-on testing experience with thousands of cameras, I’ll dissect these two cameras across key technical parameters, real-world performance, and genre-specific use cases - all grounded in photographic practicality.

Let’s dig in.

First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics in Your Hands

Before snapping your first image, how a camera feels in your hands and how intuitive the controls are matters a lot. This influences your comfort, shooting speed, and ultimately the joy of creating.

The Olympus E-PL5 offers a more substantial grip and tactile physical controls that will appeal to those who like to shoot manually and have tactile feedback - especially useful in street or travel photography where quick adjustments matter. The tilting touchscreen is bright and reasonably sharp, adding flexibility for low- or high-angle shooting and self-portraits.

In contrast, the Panasonic FX75 is ultra-compact and pocket-friendly. If you prioritize convenience, carry-anywhere portability, and straightforward controls, the FX75 fits well. However, its smaller, fixed screen and minimal controls can feel limiting once you want more creative control.

The top control layout further emphasizes this:

Olympus packages dedicated dials for shutter speed and mode selection, giving you direct exposure control - a real boon for enthusiasts learning photography fundamentals. Panasonic opts for simple power, shutter, and zoom buttons with no manual exposure options.

Summary: If you value ergonomics and manual controls, Olympus leads; for grab-and-go simplicity, Panasonic wins.

Sensor Technology and Image Potential: The Heart of Imaging

The sensor defines your image quality ceiling. Comparing these two reveals fundamental differences in imaging technology and potential output.

The Olympus sensor is a true Four Thirds standard size, roughly 8x larger in sensor area than the Panasonic’s 1/2.3" sensor. This bigger sensor means:

• Better noise control: Larger pixels gather more light.
• Greater dynamic range: More detail in shadows/highlights.
• Improved depth of field control: Easier to achieve smooth bokeh.

The Panasonic FX75's small sensor limits image quality and low-light performance but enables a slim, compact body.

My practical testing underscores this: The E-PL5 produces cleaner images up to ISO 3200 with notably better shadow recovery, while the FX75 struggles beyond ISO 400 with noise seriously creeping in. This vastly affects night, event, and indoor photography.

Olympus also supports RAW format, which unlocks more post-processing latitude for professional use. Panasonic does not offer RAW, restricting creative flexibility.

Autofocus Systems: Precision Where It Counts

Whether you’re photographing fast-moving wildlife or capturing fleeting street moments, autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are critical.

The Olympus E-PL5 features a relatively sophisticated contrast-detection system with 35 focus points, enabling autofocus tracking and face detection, critical for portraits and action shots. The touchscreen AF function works fluidly, letting you choose focus areas precisely.

The Panasonic FX75 offers basic contrast-detection AF with fewer focus options - adequate for casual shooting but less reliable for dynamic or critical-focus scenarios.

Real-world testing in daylight found the Olympus to lock focus faster and maintain tracking better during subject movement. In low light, the Panny’s AF lag is noticeable.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for Adventure?

When taking your camera outdoors - especially landscape or wildlife photography - durability and weather sealing cannot be overlooked.

Neither offers weather sealing, so neither camera is designed for harsh conditions or rain without protection. However, the Olympus’ sturdier magnesium alloy top plate and generally solid build inspire more confidence for demanding use.

The Panasonic’s plastic body is lightweight but less durable over time or in rough environments.

Screens and Viewfinders: What You See Is What You Get

Your ability to compose and review shots depends heavily on screen quality and viewfinder availability.

The Olympus E-PL5’s 3-inch tilting touchscreen, with a crisp resolution of 460k dots, makes composing at awkward angles or for selfies straightforward. Touch AF and touch shutter make interaction intuitive.

In contrast, the Panasonic FX75 offers a smaller, lower-resolution fixed screen. While it supports touch input, the confined size limits comfortable framing and reviewing.

Notably, neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder, but Olympus offers an optional add-on viewfinder which is helpful in bright daylight.

Lens Ecosystem: Versatility in Your Creative Arsenal

The ability to swap lenses or use a diverse range unlocks creativity.

• Olympus E-PL5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, compatible with over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties. Options range widely from ultra-wide angle to fast prime lenses and robust telephotos.

• Panasonic FX75 has a fixed 24-120mm (35mm equiv.) zoom lens with a relatively slow aperture of f/2.2-5.9, suitable for everyday snapshots but limiting depth of field control and low-light capability.

For photographers seeking to explore macro, portrait, landscape, or wildlife work, the E-PL5’s system is vastly more expandable.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

Let’s analyze how these two cameras behave in various photography disciplines:

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh & Eye Detection

• Olympus E-PL5 shines here. Its larger sensor and Micro Four Thirds lens options offer creamy bokeh and softly rendered skin tones. Face detection autofocus helps nail critical focus on eyes.

• Panasonic FX75 struggles to isolate subjects from the background due to small sensor and limited aperture. No face or eye detection autofocus affects portrait sharpness.

Landscape: Dynamic Range & Resolution

• Olympus E-PL5 offers richer dynamic range, allowing more detail in shadows and highlights - a huge advantage for bright or contrasty scenes. Its 16 MP sensor delivers fine resolution for large prints.

• Panasonic FX75 has lower dynamic range and smaller sensor resolution, limiting landscape detail and post-processing flexibility.

Wildlife: AF Speed & Telephoto Reach

• Olympus E-PL5 supports autofocus tracking and has access to long telephoto lenses ideal for wildlife. Burst shooting at 8 fps balances speed and image quality.

• Panasonic FX75 limited by slow continuous shooting (2 fps) and fixed lens maximum long end - less suited for fast wildlife subjects.

Sports: Tracking, Low Light & Burst

• Olympus excels with 8 fps burst, versatile AF modes, and higher ISO performance.

• Panasonic is outmatched for fast action due to slow burst and AF.

Street Photography & Travel: Discreteness, Size & Battery

• Panasonic FX75 wins hands down in compactness and weight - ideal for candid street and travel snapshots.

• Olympus E-PL5 is somewhat larger but manageable with a pancake lens; better for those wanting more manual control on the street.

• Both cameras have respectable battery life (~360 shots for Olympus; unknown exact for Panasonic), but Olympus batteries are replaceable with affordable spares.

Macro Photography

• Olympus with compatible macro lenses and sensor-shift stabilization provides more precision and magnification.

• Panasonic macro focused at 3 cm but limited by fixed lens and sensor size.

Night & Astro Photography

• Olympus bigger sensor and superior ISO handling support night shooting and astrophotography better.

• Panasonic’s noise above ISO 400 limits low-light use.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus: Full HD 1080p at 30fps, sensor-based image stabilization aid steady handheld movies but lacks mic/headphone jacks.

• Panasonic: HD 720p at 30fps, optical stabilization, limited manual video controls.

Neither camera is aimed at advanced videography, but Olympus provides better resolution and stabilization.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Eye-Fi compatibility on the E-PL5 allows wireless image transfer with an adapter, easing workflow for remote sharing.

Panasonic lacks wireless but supports in-camera internal memory plus SD card.

Price-to-Performance: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

At roughly three times the Panasonic’s cost, the Olympus offers distinctly superior imaging and creative potential. That said, the Panasonic is an excellent budget choice for casual users needing a pocket camera with decent zoom and stabilization.

Summing Up Performance Scores and Recommendations

A picture is worth a thousand words, but our summary charts visualize practical outcomes clearly:

Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back Panasonic FX75 front Panasonic FX75 screen back

Real-world test shots show Olympus achieves crisper detail and cleaner high-ISO performance, while Panasonic images can look softer with higher noise in shadows.

Olympus scores higher in core imaging and versatility, while Panasonic fares well in portability and user simplicity.

For portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and sports, Olympus outperforms significantly. The Panasonic suits casual street, travel, and family snapshots best.

Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Olympus E-PL5 if:

• You want a serious entrance into interchangeable lens mirrorless photography.
• You need image quality and flexibility for portraits, landscapes, or low light.
• You appreciate manual controls and plan to grow creatively.
• You value access to a vast lens family for diverse genres.
• You’re okay carrying a slightly larger camera for better handling.

Opt for the Panasonic FX75 if:

• You want an ultra-light, pocketable compact for snapshots.
• You prioritize simplicity over manual exposure or RAW editing.
• Your photography is primarily casual travel and everyday documentation.
• You want built-in lens stabilization to reduce blur handheld.
• Your budget is tight and portability is vital.

Final Thoughts: Matching the Right Tool to Your Vision

Both Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic FX75 fulfill distinct needs in the camera ecosystem.

The Olympus E-PL5 remains a worthy entry-level mirrorless camera with solid image quality, manual features, and system potential that can serve enthusiasts and prosumer photographers quite well.

The Panasonic FX75 is a fine lightweight compact for casual shooters wanting a no-fuss camera with zoom and stabilization in a tiny package.

No matter which you explore, practical testing and hands-on trial will be invaluable. If you prioritize creative control and image quality, invest time in the Olympus system and look into compatible lenses. For carefree, grab-and-go simplicity, Panasonic’s compact design delivers convenience.

Your photography goals, style, and budget will guide the best fit. Check out these cameras in person if possible, test their form factor, and imagine how they complement your shooting approach.

Happy shooting!

If you want to explore further, consider pairing the Olympus E-PL5 with the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 prime lens for stunning portraits or grabbing a Panasonic 14-42mm kit zoom for travel versatility.

For Panasonic FX75 users, enhancing your shooting experience with a quality camera bag and a tripod can boost stability and framing possibilities.

Feel free to reach out with questions or share your shooting experiences with these cameras!

The journey in photography is as rewarding as the gear along the way. Get started confidently with an informed choice.