Olympus SH-50 vs Panasonic G5

Its time to look closer at the Olympus SH-50 versus Panasonic G5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the G5 (16MP) is very close but the SH-50 (1/2.3") and G5 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SH-50 was released 6 months after the G5 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SH-50 matches up against the G5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SH-50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Panasonic G5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-50 features outer measurements of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G5 has sizing of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") and a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SH-50 versus Panasonic G5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SH-50 compared to the G5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-50 and G5 is 88 and 74 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The image below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-50 and G5.

As you have seen, both of the cameras come with the identical megapixels but not the same sensor sizes. The SH-50 has got the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallow depth of field trickier.