Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic SZ10

The following is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic SZ10, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the SZ10 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and SZ10 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was manufactured 3 years earlier than the SZ10 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-PL5 matches up versus the SZ10 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic SZ10 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 comes with external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ10 has measurements of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic SZ10 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the SZ10.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and SZ10 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions only by going through technical specs. The pic here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and SZ10.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer the same exact megapixels albeit different sensor dimensions. The E-PL5 includes the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The more aged E-PL5 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.