Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic G5

Lets look a little more closely at the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic G5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and G5 (16MP) and the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and G5 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SP-590 UZ was released 4 years prior to the G5 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SP-590 UZ scores versus the G5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-590 UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery & Panasonic G5 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ provides exterior dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") having a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G5 has dimensions of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") having a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic G5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the SP-590 UZ and the G5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-590 UZ and G5 is 72 and 74 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing just by reading a spec sheet. The visual below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-590 UZ and G5.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SP-590 UZ because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic G5 will deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images far more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.