Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS5: An Expert’s Guide to Entry-Level Mirrorless and Compact Superzooms

When diving into the world of digital cameras, the choices are plentiful but not always straightforward. Among entry-level mirrorless and compact superzoom cameras, the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix ZS5 (Lumix DMC-TZ8) often come up for debate. Both were announced around the early 2010s, feature unique strengths, and target vastly different photographic appetites.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years reviewing, I’ll take you through detailed, evidence-based insights on these two interesting models. This comparison will help you decide which suits your photography - not just on paper, but in actual use.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Physicality & Handling First

The Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic ZS5 cater to different body styles and user priorities.

• Olympus E-PL5 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless interchangeable lens camera aimed at enthusiasts wanting compact, high-quality imaging with flexibility.
• Panasonic ZS5 is a compact superzoom with a fixed lens designed for all-in-one convenience, featuring a whopping 12x zoom range.

Size and Ergonomics

Physically, the E-PL5 is a bit bulkier (111x64x38 mm, 325g) compared to the pocket-friendly ZS5 (103x60x32 mm, 214g). The E-PL5’s slightly larger dimensions accommodate interchangeable lenses and a bigger sensor, which heavily influences image quality. The ZS5’s smaller size makes it more discrete and travel-friendly, fitting lighter bags and tighter pockets.

Ergonomics favor the E-PL5 for dedicated photographers: it features more tactile controls, a tilting touchscreen, and customization options. The ZS5 trades these for simplicity, having fewer buttons and a fixed screen that won't tilt.

Control Layout and User Interface: Hands-On Experience

Navigating through the E-PL5’s menu and physical controls felt more intuitive during my hands-on sessions. The camera sports a touchscreen LCD that flips upward for selfies and vlogging - a nod to today’s selfie-conscious crowd. Olympus also includes ample external dials and buttons for quick adjustments to exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture, which is a big plus for creative control on the fly.

By contrast, the ZS5’s fixed 2.7-inch LCD (230K resolution) is smaller, with no touchscreen capabilities. Its limited physical controls meant I often depended on menu diving for more complex settings. The fixed lens and streamlined design target casual shooters and travelers who want “set and shoot” ease.

Sensor Size, Image Quality, and Processing Power

One of the most significant technical differences lies in sensor size and imaging capabilities.

Olympus E-PL5 Sensor

• Type: Four Thirds CMOS
• Size: 17.3 x 13 mm (sensor area ~225 mm²)
• Resolution: 16 MP
• ISO Range: 200 to 25600 native
• Antialias filter: yes

Olympus took advantage of the larger Four-Thirds sensor, providing better dynamic range and color depth - 22.8 bits of color depth at DXOmark, a respectable 12.3 stops of dynamic range, and noise performance effective up to ISO 889 per DXOmark. In practice, I found the E-PL5 produced images with richer detail in shadows and highlights, especially under challenging lighting.

Panasonic ZS5 Sensor

• Type: 1/2.3" CCD
• Size: 6.08 x 4.56 mm (sensor area ~28 mm²)
• Resolution: 12 MP
• ISO Range: 80 to 6400
• Antialias filter: yes

The ZS5’s smaller sensor and CCD technology naturally impose limits on image quality, especially in low light. It captures decent detail in daylight, but suffers more noise and reduced dynamic range at higher ISOs compared to the Olympus.

Autofocus and Performance in Real-World Shooting

Autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy can make or break usability depending on your photographic focus areas.

• Olympus E-PL5 uses contrast-detection AF with 35 focus points, including multi-area AF and face detection. Eye detection is supported but limited compared to modern systems.

• Panasonic ZS5 relies on contrast-detection AF with 11 focus points and face detection.

In my tests, the E-PL5 autofocus was noticeably faster and more reliable, especially under varied lighting and tracking moving subjects. Its continuous AF and tracking modes helped keep subjects sharp during burst shooting at 8 fps - an exceptional rate for its class and era.

The ZS5’s AF system was adequate for casual shots but noticeably slower and less accurate for moving or low-contrast targets. Its 2 fps continuous shooting and focus hunting occasionally caused missed moments.

Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s dissect their strengths across popular photography types to give you actionable insights.

Portrait Photography

For portraits, skin tone rendering, bokeh quality, and eye detection are critical.

• The E-PL5, with its larger sensor and access to Olympus lenses with fast apertures, delivers creamy, natural bokeh and pleasing skin tones. Face detection AF helped maintain subject sharpness, but no dedicated eye AF limited pinpoint precision with eyes.

• The ZS5 cannot match optical depth of field control due to its tiny sensor and slower aperture lens (f/3.3-4.9). Bokeh is weak, often leading to less subject-background separation.

Verdict: Olympus E-PL5 wins for portraits due to deeper background blur potential and better color fidelity.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing.

• E-PL5’s 16MP sensor and 12.3 stops DR allow capturing subtle tonal gradients and HDR scenes reliably. The Olympus body, although not weather sealed, feels solid enough for cautious shooting outdoors.

• ZS5's resolution (12MP) is lower, and its limited dynamic range and small sensor struggle in shadow-heavy scenes. However, the superzoom lens offers framing flexibility out of the box.

Verdict: The Olympus E-PL5 delivers higher image quality; Panasonic’s ZS5 offers zoom versatility but sacrifices tonal depth.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Action photography needs speed, tracking AF, and high frame rates.

• The E-PL5’s fast burst at 8 fps and continuous AF tracking perform well on birds and sports subjects, assuming you have a telephoto lens attached. AF area options (multi-area, selective) enhance accuracy.

• The ZS5’s 12x zoom lens is handy for casual wildlife but AF latency and 2 fps burst limit its use for fast-moving action.

Verdict: Olympus offers more flexibility and performance for wildlife/sports, especially paired with telephoto lenses.

Street Photography

Discretion and portability are keys here.

• Olympus E-PL5 is compact but larger than the ZS5. Its quiet shutter and tilting screen help candid shooting.

• Panasonic ZS5’s small size and lightweight body, plus the integrated zoom, make it ideal for quick street captures without drawing attention.

Verdict: Panasonic ZS5 excels in casual street photography; Olympus better for more deliberate, controlled shoots.

Macro Photography

Close-up capability demands precision and stabilization.

• E-PL5 benefits from sensor-based image stabilization and compatibility with dedicated macro lenses for sharp detail.

• ZS5 offers a 3cm macro mode - but limited by sensor size and lens optics.

Verdict: Olympus gives superior macro potential thanks to lenses and IS.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO noise control and long exposures are paramount.

• Olympus E-PL5’s larger sensor maintains cleaner images at high ISOs (up to 3200 effectively). The body supports manual exposures and bulb mode for extended shutter times.

• Panasonic ZS5 struggles at ISO 800 and above, lacks RAW support, and has limited manual exposure controls for night shots.

Verdict: Olympus is better suited for night and astro photography.

Video Capabilities

Video specs are modest on both.

• E-PL5 offers Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, H.264 compression, and sensor stabilization to reduce shake.

• ZS5 maxes out at 720p HD with Motion JPEG codec, lacking HDMI out and microphone input.

Neither model suits professional video work but E-PL5 is more versatile for casual videography.

Travel Photography

Travel demands versatile zooms, battery life, and portability.

• ZS5’s 25-300mm lens is a built-in all-rounder for landscapes, portraits, and tele shots.

• Olympus requires changing lenses, adding bulk and potential extra purchases.

Battery life slightly favors the Olympus (360 shots vs unknown on ZS5), but light weight and fewer accessories make the ZS5 travel-friendly.

Verdict: Panasonic ZS5 is best for grab-and-go travel simplicity; Olympus offers higher quality with more kit to manage.

Professional Use and Workflow

Raw format support, reliability, and connectivity are key for pros.

• E-PL5 supports RAW – essential for image editing flexibility. USB 2.0 and Eye-Fi wireless add some workflow convenience.

• ZS5 lacks RAW, limiting post-processing control; no Wi-Fi or advanced connectivity.

Build quality is modest on both, with neither weather sealed or ruggedized.

Verdict: Olympus offers more professional potential but isn’t a professional-grade body.

Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back Panasonic ZS5 front Panasonic ZS5 screen back

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither model features weather sealing or rugged build ideal for harsh environments. The Olympus E-PL5 offers a more robust feel due to its slightly larger body and metal construction elements, whereas the ZS5’s plastic compact design feels less durable. Careful handling is advised with both.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

One of the Olympus system’s major advantages is its access to the extensive Micro Four Thirds lens lineup - over 100 lenses ranging from wide-angle primes to telephoto zooms.

In contrast, the Panasonic ZS5’s fixed lens limits you to the 25-300mm range which, while versatile, restricts creative scope.

If you envision growing your kit and exploring different lenses, the Olympus route is the clear winner.

Battery Life and Storage

• Olympus E-PL5 uses the BLS-5 battery rated for about 360 shots per charge, which is adequate but might require spares for longer trips.

• Panasonic ZS5 battery life data is unspecified but being smaller and more compact generally equates to shorter endurance. It also features internal memory plus external SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

Both take SD cards, a common and cheap storage solution.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Olympus includes Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer but lacks Bluetooth or NFC. HDMI output is available.

Panasonic ZS5 has no wireless connectivity or HDMI, limiting image transfer and tethering options.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Is Older Still Worth It?

At launch pricing, the Olympus E-PL5 was more expensive (~$400) but priced fairly given its interchangeable lens system and superior sensor.

The Panasonic ZS5, around $300, appeals as an affordable superzoom compact but is hampered by smaller sensor limitations.

If buying used or on discount, the Olympus offers long-term value for enthusiasts wanting quality and flexibility. The ZS5 is suited for those prioritizing zoom range and pocket convenience over image quality.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose Olympus E-PL5 if you:

• Want superior image quality with a larger sensor and RAW support
• Plan to grow a lens collection and explore creativity
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or night scenes seriously
• Appreciate manual controls, customizable ergonomics, and tilting touchscreen
• Need better autofocus performance and faster continuous shooting
• Are okay with carrying interchangeable lenses and slightly larger body

Choose Panasonic Lumix ZS5 if you:

• Want a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use camera for travel and street photography
• Prefer fixed-lens convenience with generous zoom (25-300mm)
• Shoot mostly in good lighting and casual scenarios
• Desire simple point-and-shoot operation without fussing over lenses or menus
• Have limited budget and want all-in-one versatility in a pocketable form

Wrap-Up: Experience Trumps Specs

In summary, these two cameras reflect different priorities from the early 2010s era. The Olympus E-PL5 remains a solid entry-level mirrorless choice for enthusiasts seeking quality, flexibility, and manual control. The Panasonic ZS5 appeals as a simple superzoom compact for casual shooters.

If I were to pick for lasting relevance, I'd lean towards the Olympus E-PL5 due to its image quality, lens options, and more advanced features - even if it demands more photographer input. However, for carefree point-and-shoot convenience without swapping lenses, the ZS5 still holds merit.

Above all, always test handling and feel - as experiencing a camera firsthand can reveal personality behind the specifications. This hands-on approach has guided my reviews for over 15 years, and I trust it will serve you well in your next camera purchase.

Happy shooting!

Note: All tests were performed with the latest firmware available at review times. Sample images are from my controlled indoor/outdoor sessions under typical lighting.