Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic ZS70

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic ZS70, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the ZS70 (20MP) is fairly close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and ZS70 (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

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The E-PL5 was released 5 years prior to the ZS70 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS70 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL5 scores against the ZS70 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS70 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 provides outside 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) while the Panasonic ZS70 has measurements of 112mm x 67mm x 41mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6") and a weight of 322 grams (0.71 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic ZS70 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the ZS70.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and ZS70 is 88 and 87 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements just by looking through technical specs. The visual underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and ZS70.

As you have seen, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS70 will provide you with more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos way more aggressively. The older E-PL5 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.