Olympus SP-565UZ vs Panasonic ZS5

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus SP-565UZ and Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-565UZ (10MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SP-565UZ was manufactured 17 months earlier than the ZS5 making them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SP-565UZ grades vs the ZS5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-565UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-565UZ Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SP-565UZ comes with outside dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-565UZ and Panasonic ZS5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the SP-565UZ and the ZS5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-565UZ and ZS5 is 72 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-565UZ and ZS5.

Clearly, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Panasonic ZS5 to give you extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older SP-565UZ is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.