Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic S5

The following is a detailed assessment of the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic S5, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and S5 (24MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and S5 (Full frame) have different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was introduced 9 years before the S5 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summation of how the E-PM1 grades vs the S5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic S5 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM1 provides outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S5 has specifications of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") along with a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic S5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM1 and the S5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and S5 is 89 and 60 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions only by viewing specs. The picture below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and S5.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM1 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic S5 will result in greater detail using its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged E-PM1 will be behind in sensor tech.