Olympus SZ-10 vs Panasonic GM5

Here is a detailed review of the Olympus SZ-10 vs Panasonic GM5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-10 (14MP) and the GM5 (16MP) is very close but the SZ-10 (1/2.3") and GM5 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-10 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the GM5 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a short view of how the SZ-10 scores versus the GM5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-10 Gallery and Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-10 provides external measurements of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM5 has sizing of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-10 vs Panasonic GM5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-10 compared to the GM5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-10 and GM5 is 90 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizing simply by looking through technical specs. The graphic here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-10 and GM5.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-10 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic GM5 will provide you with greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older SZ-10 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.