Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic ZS30

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic ZS30, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is fairly close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL5 was manufactured 3 months before the ZS30 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-PL5 grades versus the ZS30 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL5 has got exterior dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS30 has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic ZS30 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL5 vs the ZS30.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and ZS30 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to picture the difference in sensor dimensions simply by researching specs. The pic below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and ZS30.

All in all, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL5 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS30 will provide you with greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively.