Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic GM5

Here is a in-depth overview of the Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic GM5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-11 (14MP) and the GM5 (16MP) is pretty close but the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and GM5 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-11 was manufactured 4 years prior to the GM5 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SZ-11 grades against the GM5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-11 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery & Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-11 comes with physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic GM5 has sizing of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic GM5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-11 and the GM5.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-11 and GM5 is 89 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing purely by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-11 and GM5.

Clearly, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-11 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GM5 will render greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older SZ-11 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.