Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic ZS25

Lets examine more closely at the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic ZS25, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the ZS25 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and ZS25 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL5 was revealed 3 months prior to the ZS25 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS25 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short overview of how the E-PL5 grades vs the ZS25 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS25. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS25 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 features outer 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 ZS25 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic ZS25 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL5 against the ZS25.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and ZS25 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and ZS25.

Clearly, the two cameras enjoy the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL5 uses the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field easier.