Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic G1

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic G1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and G1 (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was released 3 years later than the G1 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-PL5 matches up versus the G1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic G1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL5 comes with exterior dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Panasonic G1 has dimensions of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") with a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic G1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL5 vs the G1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and G1 is 88 and 82 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading through technical specs. The photograph below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and G1.

As you can tell, the two cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Olympus E-PL5 to resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-PL5 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.