Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic LX5

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic LX5, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and LX5 (10MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and LX5 (1/1.63") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was introduced 10 months after the LX5 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PL5 matches up versus the LX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL5 offers 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) while the Panasonic LX5 has specifications of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic LX5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL5 versus the LX5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and LX5 is 88 and 88 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reading technical specs. The picture underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and LX5.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL5 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PL5 will deliver greater detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots way more aggressively. The more recent E-PL5 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.