Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic SZ5

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL6 and Panasonic SZ5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL6 was revealed 2 years later than the SZ5 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL6 grades against the SZ5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL6 has got outside dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ5 has sizing of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL6 and Panasonic SZ5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL6 vs the SZ5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL6 and SZ5 is 88 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing only by reading through technical specs. The graphic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL6 and SZ5.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL6 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Olympus E-PL6 will give you extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots more aggressively. The younger E-PL6 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.