Olympus E-PL5 vs Sigma fp L

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sigma fp L, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sigma. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and fp L (61MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and fp L (Full frame) posses totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was released 9 years prior to the fp L and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-PL5 grades vs the fp L with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Sigma fp L. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Sigma fp L Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 has got exterior measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Sigma fp L has measurements of 113mm x 70mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") with a weight of 427 grams (0.94 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Sigma fp L in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL5 against the fp L.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and fp L is 88 and 83 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements just by going over technical specs. The graphic below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and fp L.

As you can tell, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sigma fp L will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 45MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.