Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic SZ3

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic SZ3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL5 was brought out 3 months earlier than the SZ3 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL5 scores against the SZ3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 has 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 SZ3 has sizing of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic SZ3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL5 vs the SZ3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and SZ3 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements simply by checking specifications. The graphic below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and SZ3.

To sum up, both cameras posses the exact same megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 comes with the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier.