Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic FZ28

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic FZ28, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and FZ28 (10MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and FZ28 (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was released 3 years later than the FZ28 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ28 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the E-PL5 grades against the FZ28 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic FZ28 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL5 features physical measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ28 has specifications of 118mm x 75mm x 89mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 3.5") along with a weight of 417 grams (0.92 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic FZ28 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL5 vs the FZ28.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and FZ28 is 88 and 72 respectively.

Generally, its tough to visualize the difference between sensor measurements only by looking at specs. The photograph here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and FZ28.

All in all, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL5 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The younger E-PL5 should have a benefit in sensor technology.