Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic SZ1

Lets examine more closely at the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic SZ1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the SZ1 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL5 was launched 9 months later than the SZ1 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-PL5 grades versus the SZ1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 has physical measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic SZ1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL5 vs the SZ1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and SZ1 is 88 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to see the difference between sensor sizing only by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and SZ1.

Clearly, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL5 includes the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field simpler. The fresher E-PL5 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.