Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic FX90

Here is a extensive comparison of the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic FX90, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and FX90 (12MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and FX90 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL5 was revealed 13 months later than the FX90 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX90 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-PL5 matches up against the FX90 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic FX90 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL5 has physical measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FX90 has specifications of 102mm x 56mm x 22mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 149 grams (0.33 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic FX90 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL5 against the FX90.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and FX90 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing purely by seeing specifications. The visual here may give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and FX90.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL5 will show extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The younger E-PL5 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.