Olympus SH-50 vs Panasonic GF5

Let's take a deeper look at the Olympus SH-50 versus Panasonic GF5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the SH-50 (16MP) and GF5 (12MP) and the SH-50 (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor sizing.

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The SH-50 was revealed 10 months later than the GF5 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SH-50 scores versus the GF5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SH-50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-50 offers outside dimensions of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF5 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-50 versus Panasonic GF5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the SH-50 compared to the GF5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-50 and GF5 is 88 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements merely by seeing specifications. The photograph underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-50 and GF5.

Plainly, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SH-50 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Olympus SH-50 will produce greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The younger SH-50 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.