Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic ZS5

Below is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic ZS5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and ZS5 (12MP) and the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

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The E-PL8 was unveiled 6 years later than the ZS5 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL8 matches up versus the ZS5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 features exterior measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic ZS5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL8 and the ZS5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and ZS5 is 86 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements merely by checking out technical specs. The visual underneath will provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL8 and ZS5.

As you can tell, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL8 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL8 will show extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer E-PL8 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.