Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic GM5

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic GM5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the GM5 (16MP) is pretty close but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and GM5 (Four Thirds) use different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-15 was introduced 15 months prior to the GM5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SZ-15 grades vs the GM5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-15 provides outside dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Panasonic GM5 has dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic GM5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-15 vs the GM5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-15 and GM5 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Usually, its hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The photograph below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-15 and GM5.

To sum up, each of these cameras posses the exact same MP albeit different sensor sizing. The SZ-15 provides the smaller sensor which should make getting shallower DOF harder. The older SZ-15 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.