Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic TS6

Following is a detailed analysis of the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic TS6, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the TS6 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and TS6 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was launched 3 years prior to the TS6 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic TS6 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PL5 grades vs the TS6 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS6. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic TS6 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 provides outside dimensions 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 TS6 has measurements of 110mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic TS6 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL5 vs the TS6.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and TS6 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The picture underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and TS6.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have got the exact same MP but different sensor sizes. The E-PL5 provides the larger sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult. The more aged E-PL5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.