Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic S5

Here is a complete overview of the Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic S5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and S5 (24MP) and the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and S5 (Full frame) come with different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-15 was brought out 8 years before the S5 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SZ-15 grades against the S5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Panasonic S5 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-15 has got outer measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S5 has specifications of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") along with a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic S5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-15 against the S5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and S5 is 88 and 60 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing merely by looking at technical specs. The graphic below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-15 and S5.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-15 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Panasonic S5 will resolve greater detail having its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older SZ-15 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.