Olympus SH-50 vs Panasonic GM5

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus SH-50 and Panasonic GM5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the GM5 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the SH-50 (1/2.3") and GM5 (Four Thirds) have different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SH-50 was brought out 20 months before the GM5 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SH-50 matches up versus the GM5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SH-50 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SH-50 Gallery & Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SH-50 offers outside dimensions of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM5 has specifications of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-50 and Panasonic GM5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SH-50 versus the GM5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-50 and GM5 is 88 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specs. The photograph below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-50 and GM5.

All in all, both of these cameras feature the identical megapixels albeit different sensor sizing. The SH-50 contains the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF trickier. The older SH-50 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.