Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic Lumix S5: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Mirrorless Worlds

Choosing a mirrorless camera today means navigating a landscape that caters to wildly different users - whether you're an entry-level enthusiast eager to learn or a seasoned pro needing cutting-edge tools. In this comprehensive comparison, I’m taking a close look at two cameras from very different eras and product categories: the Olympus PEN E-PL6, an entry-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless from 2014, and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5, a pro-grade full-frame mirrorless released in 2020.

Both cameras share certain fundamental traits - mirrorless designs with interchangeable lenses, touchscreen interfaces, and video capabilities - yet they target polar-opposite user bases. What do these differences mean in real-world shooting? How does the Olympus E-PL6’s lightweight design and simplicity stack up against the Panasonic S5’s advanced sensor and comprehensive video toolkit? Let’s unpack this based on hands-on testing, technical specifications, and practical shooting scenarios.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Ergonomics

Handling these two side by side, the physical contrast is instantly apparent. The Olympus E-PL6 embraces a retro, rangefinder-style compactness. Its small stature, measured at 111 x 64 x 38 mm and tipping the scales at a mere 325 grams with battery, makes it an excellent travel companion or casual street-shooting partner. Its minimalist control scheme is approachable but can feel limited to experienced photographers.

The Panasonic S5, by contrast, is much larger and heavier (133 x 97 x 82 mm; 714 grams), embracing an SLR-style body to support a larger full-frame sensor and accommodate professional-grade features such as dual card slots and more extensive connectivity options. This heft translates to a noticeably sturdier grip and more tactile button layout, which I found indispensable during long sessions in varied conditions.

Looking at the top panels, the Olympus keeps controls basic - no top LCD, dial placement is modest - and its electronic viewfinder is optional (sold separately) and quite modest compared to modern standards. Panasonic’s S5 boasts a detailed EVF with 2.36M-dot resolution and 0.74x magnification, paired with an articulated touchscreen boasting substantially higher resolution than Olympus’s 460K-dot display (S5’s display has 1.84M dots). This large, fully articulating screen on the S5 is a boon for vloggers and videographers, while the E-PL6’s smaller tilting screen is mostly suitable for selfies and casual shoot angles.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs Full Frame

When it comes to raw image quality, the fundamental hardware difference can’t be overstated: the Olympus uses a 16MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13mm, while the Panasonic features a 24MP full-frame sensor at 35.6 x 23.8mm.

From a technical standpoint, this means the Panasonic S5 sensor is nearly four times larger in surface area. Larger sensors deliver better light-gathering capability, improving dynamic range, high ISO performance, and depth-of-field control.

Testing side-by-side at ISO 100 under controlled lighting illustrated the Panasonic’s superior dynamic range, preserving highlights and shadows without clipping. Shooting into tougher lighting situations, the S5’s cleaner high ISO results stood out, with noticeably less noise from 3200 ISO upwards compared to the E-PL6, whose noise profile became intrusive well past ISO 800.

For landscape shooters wanting maximum resolution and detail fidelity, the S5’s 6000 x 4000 pixel output offers a sizeable advantage over the E-PL6’s native 4608 x 3456. However, the Olympus’s smaller sensor paired with its Micro Four Thirds lens lineup yields more compact, lightweight lenses - perfect for on-the-go photographers who prioritize mobility over pixel count.

Autofocus in Action: Precision vs Simplicity

Autofocus (AF) systems have markedly evolved since 2014. The Olympus E-PL6 features a contrast-detection AF system with 35 focus points and supports face detection and continuous AF. While effective for a beginner-level camera, it struggles noticeably in lower light and with fast-moving subjects. I experienced occasional hunting, especially in dim indoor environments.

Panasonic’s Lumix S5 employs a far more sophisticated AF system boasting 225 focus points with phase-detection hybrid AF. This system locks focus quickly and tracks subjects with impressive accuracy. During tests involving rapidly moving subjects, like dogs playing or street performers, the S5 consistently nailed focus where the E-PL6 lagged.

Neither camera offers animal eye AF - something newer models prioritize. Still, for portraiture, both cameras include face detection with the S5’s delivering more reliable eye tracking, an important consideration for busy portrait sessions.

Shutter Mechanics and Continuous Shooting

Olympus’s maximum mechanical shutter speed caps at 1/4000s with no built-in electronic shutter modes (silent shutter is not available). Burst shooting is a competent 8fps, suitable for casual action or street photography but limited compared to modern standards.

The Panasonic S5 extends shutter speeds up to 1/8000s with a silent electronic shutter option, beneficial in quiet environments. Continuous shooting is around 7fps, a bit slower on paper but more dependable thanks to better AF tracking under burst. For wildlife and sports photography, this makes the Panasonic model a more robust choice under time-critical conditions.

Image Stabilization and Lens Ecosystem

Both cameras incorporate sensor-based stabilization. The Olympus E-PL6 offers a basic sensor-shift system, which helps reducing hand shake and permitting sharper handheld shots at slower shutter speeds. That said, the stabilization performance is average at best and depends heavily on lens aperture and focal length.

The Panasonic S5 sports a 5-axis sensor stabilization system that’s widely regarded as a leader in its class - effective up to 5 stops, especially when combined with optical stabilization in compatible lenses (Dual I.S.). This allows for sharp handheld photos in challenging conditions, including macro and telephoto work.

Lens selection is another critical differentiator. The Olympus E-PL6 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, enjoying a vast ecosystem with over 100 lenses - including affordable primes and zooms, plus mass-market third-party options. This versatility is a huge plus for beginners and photographers who want a lightweight kit across genres.

The Panasonic S5 adopts the Leica L mount, shared with Leica and Sigma, but with a more modest lens library numbering around 30 native lenses. However, full-frame Leica-grade glass generally carries premium pricing, and third-party options are growing but less abundant than Micro Four Thirds. Still, that mount unleashes exceptional image quality with high-end optics and versatility from ultra-wide to super-telephoto lenses.

Video Capabilities: From Basic to Professional

If video is part of your workflow or passion, these two are miles apart.

The Olympus E-PL6 maxes out at Full HD 1080p @ 30fps, recording MPEG-4 or Motion JPEG formats. It lacks mic input or headphone output and employs a rudimentary stabilization and codec scheme appropriate for casual clips, but uninspiring for serious content creators.

The Panasonic S5, however, is an all-in-one pro video machine packed with features: 4K UHD at up to 60p running 10-bit 4:2:0 internally or 10-bit 4:2:2 output over HDMI, advanced compression options (H.264, H.265), V-Log profile support, and full-size mic/headphone jacks for audio monitoring. The 5-axis stabilization combined with in-lens IS allows smooth handheld video, and its fully articulated touchscreen and dual card slots make it a videographer’s dream.

In short, if you want to produce professional-level video, the Panasonic S5 is in another league.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s consider practical use cases across key disciplines to see where each camera fits best.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture benefits from shallow depth of field and precise eye detection. The Panasonic’s full-frame sensor and superior AF help isolate subjects with creamy bokeh and tack-sharp focus on eyes.

The Olympus E-PL6’s smaller sensor limits bokeh potential, and several of its Micro Four Thirds lenses offer slower maximum apertures. While skin tones render pleasingly under good light, its AF can lag when shooting spontaneous candid portraits.

Verdict: Panasonic S5 leads for fine portrait work, studio or environmental settings.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter for capturing wide tonal gradations and minute details. The S5’s full-frame sensor with 24MP excels here, capturing expansive vistas with finesse. Weather sealing of the Panasonic aids shooting in tough environments.

Olympus’s compact form factor and image stabilization are nice for handheld landscapes on vacation, but its sensor limit makes extracting intricate detail or shadow information tricky.

Verdict: S5 dominates professional landscape work; E-PL6 suits casual outdoor enthusiasts.

Wildlife and Sports

High burst rates with reliable tracking AF are paramount here. The Olympus E-PL6’s faster 8fps is technically pleasing but hampered by slower contrast AF and limited telephoto lens reach due to sensor crop.

Panasonic’s hybrid AF and native support for professional telephoto lenses - combined with silent shutter and robust build - make it far better suited to high-intensity action.

Verdict: S5 recommended for serious wildlife and sports photographers.

Street Photography

Street photographers prize discretion, portability, and quick response. The Olympus’s small size, lightweight body, and modest shutter noises make it a natural street camera.

The Panasonic S5, larger and noisier, imposes a presence that might be less welcomed in candid environments. However, its superior AF still provides a valuable safety net for fast moments.

Verdict: Olympus E-PL6 better for low-profile street shooting.

Macro Photography

Precise focusing and stabilization are crucial for macros. Panasonic’s 5-axis IS offers real advantage here, combined with higher-resolution sensor detail.

Olympus’s simpler IS and lower pixel count mean less detail and potentially more focus hunting, although a good macro lens can mitigate some weaknesses.

Verdict: Panasonic S5 better choice for macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astro

Low-light performance favors full-frame sensors. The Panasonic S5’s high ISO capability and better noise control allow cleaner astrophotography and night cityscapes.

Olympus’s smaller sensor and older tech reveal significant noise, limiting usefulness for demanding night shots.

Verdict: Panasonic S5 superb night performer.

Travel Photography

Travel demands versatility, battery life, and size. The Olympus’s miniature size and respectable battery life (approx. 360 shots) make it nimble and less burdensome on long hikes or urban exploration.

The Panasonic S5’s higher battery stamina (approx. 440 shots) is decent for a full-frame, but the bulk and weight require more planning.

Verdict: Olympus preferred for ultra-light travel; Panasonic better for planned trips prioritizing image quality.

Professional Workflows

The S5’s dual card slots, extensive RAW support, and overall reliability suit professional workflows demanding rapid turnaround and file redundancy.

The E-PL6, while supporting RAW, lacks dual slots and advanced tethering options. It’s better seen as a learner’s tool.

Verdict: Panasonic S5 built for professional workloads.

Olympus E PL6 front Olympus E PL6 screen back Panasonic S5 front Panasonic S5 screen back

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

While the Olympus E-PL6 offers basic WiFi through Eye-Fi support, it lacks Bluetooth and NFC. Its single SD card slot and USB 2.0 port reflect its age.

The Panasonic S5 includes built-in WiFi and Bluetooth for seamless transfers and remote control via apps. Dual SD card slots allow overflow or backup, a must-have for pros. USB-C charging adds real convenience on the road.

Battery life favors Panasonic slightly, though both require spares for extended shoots.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value

While neither camera has been tested on DxOMark officially (as per the available data), a composite assessment rates the Panasonic S5's overall performance as outstanding across disciplines, especially excelling in image quality and video. The Olympus E-PL6 performs well within its class but cannot compete with modern full-frame capabilities.

Breaking down genre-specific scores gives an insightful view:

The Panasonic S5 leads handily in macro, landscape, wildlife, night, video, and professional use, while the Olympus retains modest scores in street, travel, and entry-level portrait work.

Who Should Buy Which?

With all this in mind, here’s my take on who benefits most from each camera:

• Olympus E-PL6: For beginners, hobbyists, or travelers seeking a lightweight, affordable, and straightforward mirrorless system. Great as a selfie-friendly camera or casual walking companion, with access to a wide Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem and respectable image stabilization.

• Panasonic Lumix S5: For serious enthusiasts and professionals demanding high image quality, advanced video features, robust autofocus, and versatile build. Ideal for landscapes, portraits, wedding photography, and hybrid shooters who need both stills and 4K video at a high standard.

The Olympus’s $300 price tag makes it highly accessible, but the Panasonic’s $2,000 list price aligns with professional gear investing.

Final Thoughts: On Experience, Expertise, and Practicality

After testing thousands of cameras throughout my career, I appreciate what the Olympus E-PL6 represents - a solid entry point to interchangeable lens photography that doesn’t overwhelm, encouraging learning and experimentation. However, when image quality, speed, and versatility matter - particularly in critical commercial or artistic work - the Panasonic S5 offers compelling advantages that justify its price.

What I like best about the Panasonic S5 is its balance: phenomenal full-frame sensor performance married with thoughtful design choices like weather sealing, articulating touchscreen, and excellent video tools - all packaged in a body lighter than many other full-frame pro cameras.

Still, I acknowledge that not everyone needs that firepower nor the financial commitment. If you predominantly shoot casual events, family photos, or want a diminutive second body, the Olympus E-PL6 remains attractive.

To sum up, here’s a quick checklist based on use cases:

I hope this deep dive clarifies the practical differences between these two mirrorless systems from Olympus and Panasonic. The best camera remains the one that fits your style, budget, and photographic desires.

Happy shooting!

Summary of Key Specs at a Glance

If you're on the fence between these two, think carefully about what type of photography you’re most passionate about and how much you want your gear to grow with you.

Happy shooting, whether compact and nimble or full-frame and feature-rich!