Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic GH1

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic GH1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and GH1 (12MP) but they come with the exact same sensor sizes (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL5 was brought out 3 years after the GH1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-PL5 grades vs the GH1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic GH1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 enjoys outside dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Panasonic GH1 has measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") having a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic GH1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL5 and the GH1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and GH1 is 88 and 81 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions purely by viewing specifications. The image below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and GH1.

Plainly, each of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus E-PL5 to result in greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots much more aggressively. The more recent E-PL5 should have an advantage in sensor technology.