Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic L10

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic L10, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and L10 (10MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL5 was manufactured 4 years later than the L10 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic L10 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting through a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the E-PL5 scores vs the L10 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic L10 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 features external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic L10 has measurements of 135mm x 96mm x 78mm (5.3" x 3.8" x 3.1") having a weight of 556 grams (1.23 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic L10 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL5 against the L10.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and L10 is 88 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by checking technical specs. The photograph below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and L10.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Olympus E-PL5 to give you greater detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more recent E-PL5 provides an advantage in sensor technology.