Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic ZS45

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic ZS45, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the ZS45 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and ZS45 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL6 was unveiled 5 months before the ZS45 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL6 scores against the ZS45 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL6 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery & Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL6 comes with physical measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS45 has proportions of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic ZS45 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL6 against the ZS45.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL6 and ZS45 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements simply by seeing technical specs. The graphic below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL6 and ZS45.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have got the exact same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL6 contains the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF easier.