Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS5

Here is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic ZS5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and ZS5 (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM2 was revealed 2 years later than the ZS5 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the E-PM2 scores versus the ZS5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 has physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic ZS5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PM2 vs the ZS5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and ZS5 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Often, it is tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at specs. The photograph here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and ZS5.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus E-PM2 will give extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The fresher E-PM2 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.