Olympus SP-610UZ vs Panasonic GM5

Here is a detailed review of the Olympus SP-610UZ versus Panasonic GM5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SP-610UZ (14MP) and the GM5 (16MP) is very well matched but the SP-610UZ (1/2.3") and GM5 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor sizing.

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The SP-610UZ was released 4 years earlier than the GM5 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-610UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a thorough comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SP-610UZ grades vs the GM5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-610UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-610UZ Gallery & Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-610UZ has got physical dimensions of 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9") having a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM5 has measurements of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-610UZ versus Panasonic GM5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the SP-610UZ and the GM5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-610UZ and GM5 is 79 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to picture the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at specs. The graphic here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-610UZ and GM5.

All in all, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SP-610UZ due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic GM5 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The older SP-610UZ is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.