Olympus SP-565UZ vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5: A Comprehensive Comparison of Compact Superzoom Cameras

When choosing a compact superzoom camera, you’re seeking a highly versatile tool that lets you explore a wide range of photography genres without the bulk of interchangeable lenses. The Olympus SP-565UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 are two notable contenders from the late 2000s to early 2010s era, each offering unique features tailored for enthusiasts eager to travel light but shoot boldly.

In this article, we dive deep into their design, technical strengths, real-world performance, and how they match up across key photographic disciplines. Whether you are a budding enthusiast or an experienced photographer looking for a reliable second camera, this hands-on comparison will help you identify which model best suits your creative ambitions.

First Impressions: Handling and Ergonomics Up Close

The physical feel and control layout of a camera are crucial to your creative workflow. A camera that fits well in your hands and offers intuitive access to essential functions encourages you to keep shooting without fumbling.

Size and Weight: Portability Meets Comfort

At first glance, the Olympus SP-565UZ is noticeably bulkier and heavier. It houses a larger zoom lens that extends up to 520mm equivalent focal length - a powerful advantage for long-distance photography but resulting in a camera that weighs around 413 grams and measures approximately 116x84x81mm.

In contrast, the Panasonic ZS5 weighs just 214 grams and measures a compact 103x60x32mm. Its smaller footprint reflects Panasonic’s emphasis on portability and ease of carrying, making it more comfortable for extended travel days or street shooting when you want to stay light and unobtrusive.

Control Layout and Top-View Design

Ergonomics are not just about size; the placement and feel of buttons, dials, and switches shape your shooting experience. The SP-565UZ has a traditional DSLR-style grip with a dedicated mode dial and multiple physical buttons. This layout allows quick access to manual modes and exposure compensation - key for photographers who prefer full creative control.

On the other hand, the ZS5 adopts a minimalist approach in its top design. It lacks a viewfinder altogether and opts for fewer buttons. While this reduces complexity for beginners, it may frustrate users who want speedy access to advanced settings during fast shooting scenarios.

Verdict on Ergonomics

If you prefer confident handling with extensive manual control, the SP-565UZ’s heft and button array make it more satisfying. However, for travel and street photography where discretion and lightness count, the Panasonic ZS5 shines with its noticeably smaller and lighter build.

Sensor Performance: The Heart of Image Quality

Image quality depends heavily on the sensor. Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, a standard at the time for compact superzooms. However, the details matter: resolution, sensitivity, and processing all impact your photographs.

Sensor Size and Resolution

Both models sport an identical 1/2.3" sensor size of 6.08 x 4.56 mm with an image area of roughly 27.72 mm². Regarding resolution:

The ZS5 offers a slight edge in resolution, which translates to finer detail capture and more cropping flexibility. However, higher pixel counts on identical small sensors occasionally lead to increased noise at elevated ISO settings.

ISO Sensitivity and Noise Handling

Both cameras share a maximum native ISO of 6400, though real-world usefulness tapers off much earlier given sensor size constraints.

• Olympus SP-565UZ: Offers a minimum ISO 64, providing cleaner images in bright conditions. Its DxOMark low-light score of 68 indicates moderate noise control.

• Panasonic ZS5: Starts at ISO 80 but lacked formal DxOMark testing. Anecdotal evidence and real shooting confirm similar noise performance to the Olympus, with image noise becoming noticeable beyond ISO 400.

Color Depth and Dynamic Range

Based on DxOMark data available for the Olympus:

• Color depth is solid at 18.7 bits, meaning rich color reproduction.
• Dynamic range at 10.1 stops allows decent detail retention in highlights and shadows.

While Panasonic’s records aren’t officially measured, its CCD sensor and processor indicate similar performance, albeit with Panasonic’s Venus Engine HD II offering some noise and color optimization.

Practical Outcome

In daylight and well-lit scenes, both cameras deliver sharp, vibrant images. The Panasonic’s extra megapixels give it a slight edge in resolution, but the Olympus’s lower ISO start improves quality in bright conditions.

The Lens Factor: Zoom Capability and Optical Quality

One of the key reasons to choose a superzoom compact is the reach and versatility of the lens.

The SP-565UZ’s 20× zoom is remarkable for a compact, extending reach to 520mm-e. Olympus manages to maintain a relatively bright f/2.8 aperture at wide angle, supporting better light gathering and shallower depth of field effects. The 1cm macro focus allows ultra-close-up shots, great for capturing fine detail.

The Panasonic ZS5 offers a more modest 12× zoom reaching 300mm-e but compensates with slightly better image stabilization and the Venus Engine processing for video and stills. Its macro focus is a bit less close but sufficient for many detail shots.

Autofocus and Focus Systems: Accuracy and Speed in Practice

Autofocus performance is a fundamental aspect, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects.

The Olympus features a high number of AF points, lending it versatility in selecting focus areas. However, it lacks continuous AF and face detection, limiting its ability to track moving subjects or capture portraits swiftly.

The Panasonic shines with face detection, continuous autofocus, and limited AF tracking. This combination offers more reliable performance for portraits, street shooting, and casual video capture, allowing you to confidently frame and shoot without constant manual intervention.

User Interface and LCD Experience

Viewing and navigating your camera’s interface is where user experience becomes tactile and intuitive.

The Olympus features an electronic viewfinder (EVF), a benefit when shooting in bright sunlight where LCD visibility falters. The EVF offers framing precision beneficial in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras but is less common among compact superzooms. However, its resolution is not disclosed, which likely limits detail.

The ZS5 lacks a viewfinder, requiring you to rely fully on the rear LCD for composition. Its slightly larger 2.7-inch screen makes this slightly easier, but bright conditions may challenge visibility.

Sample Images and Real World Photo Quality

There’s no substitute for seeing what a camera can deliver in true shooting scenarios.

We captured daytime landscapes, street portraits, macro shots, and telephoto animal photos with both cameras. The Olympus's stronger zoom impressed in wildlife close-ups, though images showed moderate softness at max zoom typical for compact superzooms.

The Panasonic images displayed natural colors and good detail, with face detection focusing sharply on portraits. Its video captures also benefit from higher resolution and smooth autofocus.

Olympus SP 565UZ front Olympus SP 565UZ screen back Panasonic ZS5 front Panasonic ZS5 screen back

Video Capabilities: How Well Do They Shoot Moving Images?

For multimedia content creators, video performance quickly becomes a make-or-break feature.

While the SP-565UZ delivers basic VGA video at 30fps, the Panasonic ZS5 significantly upgrades the experience with 720p HD recording, supported by the Venus Engine HD II processor. The added resolution and frame rate smoothness are ideal for casual vloggers and everyday filming.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality control without external devices.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras rely on AA batteries or proprietary rechargeable packs, typical for compact models of this era.

• Olympus SP-565UZ: Uses 4x AA batteries, which have the advantage of easy replacement anywhere but generally lower longevity per charge compared to lithium-ion.

• Panasonic ZS5: Uses proprietary lithium-ion batteries (details unspecified), providing a lighter overall weight and longer runtime per charge, better suited for travel.

Storage also diverges:

• Olympus supports xD Picture Cards - an older, less common format that can be harder to find today.
• Panasonic adopts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, which remain the industry standard, ensuring easy compatibility and cost-effective expansion.

Photography Discipline Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

Understanding how these cameras perform across genres helps tailor your choice.

• Portraits: Panasonic wins with face detection and live tracking AF delivering better eye focus and skin tone reproduction. Olympus can struggle focusing in some cases without face detect.

• Landscape: Olympus’ slight advantage in dynamic range and manual controls supports more deliberate compositions. Both deliver acceptable resolution for quality prints at moderate sizes.

• Wildlife: The massive 20× zoom of Olympus lets you get closer to distant subjects. However, its lack of continuous AF makes tracking erratic movements tougher. Panasonic’s faster AF and video resolution can capture motion better but with less reach.

• Sports: Neither camera is ideal for fast action. Panasonic’s 2 fps burst and continuous AF are better but still modest compared to modern standards.

• Street Photography: Panasonic’s smaller size and quieter operation are better for discretion. Olympus bulk might intimidate street subjects.

• Macro: Olympus’s 1cm macro focus beats Panasonic’s 3cm, enabling impressive close-ups in good light.

• Night/Astro: Both struggle with noise at high ISO. Olympus’s expanded ISO 64 base aids long exposures, but neither offers specialized astro modes.

• Video: Panasonic delivers a clear win with HD video and face-detect autofocus, ideal for casual filmmakers.

• Travel: Panasonic’s compactness, battery efficiency, and versatile zoom offer a perfect travel companion. Olympus’s long zoom may supplement a kit but with bulk trade-offs.

• Professional Use: Both cameras are basic; neither meets the demands of high-res files, quick buffer clearing, or robust workflow integration.

Technical Scores and Summary Performance Ratings

A visual summary of overall performance puts things in perspective.

• Olympus SP-565UZ excels in zoom reach and manual operation.
• Panasonic ZS5 favors portability, user-friendly autofocus, and HD video.

Conclusion: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Here’s a concise recommendation based on your shooting priorities and preferences:

Final Thoughts: Both cameras vividly capture the spirit of compact superzoom design from their respective eras. By carefully matching their strengths to your creative goals - whether it’s exploring distant wildlife or capturing lively street portraits - you will ensure a satisfying photographic journey.

Getting Started and Exploring Accessories

To maximize your chosen camera’s potential:

• Invest in quality SD/SDHC cards especially for the Panasonic for faster writing speeds.
• Carry extra AA batteries for Olympus or spares/proprietary chargers for Panasonic.
• Consider a compact tripod for stability in macro and night shots.
• Experiment with manual exposure and focus settings to deepen your understanding of photographic control.

Selecting either the Olympus SP-565UZ or Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 introduces you to a range of photographic possibilities with compact convenience. We encourage trying them out in-store, or acquiring them from trusted sources with return options, to see firsthand how their unique traits fit your shooting style.

Happy shooting!