Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS5

Its time to take a deeper look at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is very well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was released 18 months later than the ZS5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-PM1 scores against the ZS5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 offers external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS5 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that moment. The following is the front view size comparison of the E-PM1 and the ZS5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and ZS5 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and ZS5.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have got the exact same resolution but different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 includes the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF easier. The more modern E-PM1 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.