Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing between cameras as different as the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and the Panasonic Lumix G5 can feel like comparing apples and oranges - one is a compact superzoom designed for casual versatility, the other a more serious entry-level mirrorless with system camera capabilities. Drawing from extensive real-world testing and years of experience, this article will walk you through the technical details, actual photographic performance, and usability of both models. Our goal is to help you find the right fit for your photography style and ambitions.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design

Before you get into specs, a camera's feel in your hands can make or break your shooting experience.

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is ultra-compact and light, making it incredibly pocketable - ideal for casual use, travel, or quick snaps. However, its small size means a tighter grip and limited physical controls.

The Panasonic G5, in contrast, is larger and heavier but offers a substantial handgrip with more tactile buttons and dials for quick adjustments. Its design echoes a DSLR with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that provides framing precision and playback review without reliance on the rear screen in bright daylight.

The G5’s articulating screen and EVF make it better suited for more deliberate photography, whereas the SZ-31MR thrives on compact convenience.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Sensor Size Makes All the Difference

Big sensors generally provide better image quality, especially in challenging lighting.

The Panasonic G5’s Four Thirds sensor is about eight times larger in surface area than the SZ-31MR’s tiny 1/2.3-inch sensor. Larger sensors gather more light and provide superior dynamic range, color depth, and noise control, especially at higher ISOs.

In practice, this translates to cleaner images at night, richer detail in shadows and highlights, and more flexibility in post-processing with the G5. Unlike the Olympus, the G5 supports RAW format files, giving you greater editing latitude.

The SZ-31MR is limited to JPEG output, which is acceptable for casual shooting but restrictive for serious photographers.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Versatility vs. Quality

The Olympus’s built-in superzoom lens covers an impressive 24× optical zoom - 25-600mm equivalent, letting you get shots ranging from wide landscapes to distant subjects without changing lenses. This makes it great for travel or all-in-one convenience.

However, that small lens and wide zoom range come with trade-offs: smaller apertures at telephoto lengths limit low-light and depth of field control, resulting in less creamy bokeh for portraits.

The Panasonic G5’s Micro Four Thirds system supports interchangeable lenses, including a large selection of fast primes and telephotos. While it lacks in-body stabilization, many lenses offer optical IS, and you can choose lenses with wider apertures (e.g., f/1.7) for better subject isolation and low-light capabilities.

If you want ultimate flexibility and optical quality, the G5 takes the lead - but it comes with some bulk and added expense compared to the all-in-one fixed lens combo on the SZ-31MR.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems, which tend not to be as fast or accurate as phase-detection autofocus in DSLR or hybrid AF systems. The SZ-31MR focuses well in good light for static subjects but can struggle with fast action or low contrast.

The G5 offers a more sophisticated AF system with multiple selectable focus points and continuous tracking, which benefits wildlife, sports, and street photography. Plus, the ability to manually focus allows more creative control when needed.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

The Olympus’s fixed LCD is vibrant and responsive, great for most shooting scenarios but limited in flexibility. Without a viewfinder, you might struggle in very bright conditions.

The Panasonic G5’s fully articulating screen is beneficial for video work, awkward angles, and creative composition. Its high-resolution EVF offers clarity and real-time exposure simulation - essential for precise framing outdoors.

The inclusion of an EVF places the G5 closer to DSLR-like control and experience, valuable for serious shooters.

Image Quality in Different Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Olympus SZ-31MR: Limited by smaller sensor and slower lens aperture, resulting in average bokeh and some softness at longer zooms. Face detection works but not customizable.
• Panasonic G5: Larger sensor and interchangeable lenses allow better skin tone rendition, crisp details, and creamy background blur. Face and selective AF points enable precise eye focus.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus SZ-31MR: Good for casual landscapes; 16MP resolution is decent, but dynamic range limited. Fixed lens prevents ultra-wide compositions.
• Panasonic G5: Superior dynamic range and 16MP detail capture. Ability to use wide or tilt-shift lenses improves creative framing. Robust RAW editing workflow.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus SZ-31MR: Impressive zoom can capture distant subjects but contrast-detection AF and lack of lens speed may miss fast action.
• Panasonic G5: Better AF tracking and interchangeable telephoto lenses yield superior results but with more weight and prep.

Sports Photography

• Olympus SZ-31MR: Fast burst (7 fps) but limited AF sophistication restricts suitability for fast-moving sports.
• Panasonic G5: Flicker-free silent shooting at 6 fps with AF tracking makes it more capable for indoor or low-light sports.

Street Photography

• Olympus SZ-31MR: Compact and quiet - good for candid shots; no viewfinder limits precision on bright streets.
• Panasonic G5: SLR-style body with EVF may be more conspicuous, but articulating screen helps with discreet shooting angles.

Macro Photography

• Olympus SZ-31MR: Macro focus down to 1cm is impressive for close-ups on the fly.
• Panasonic G5: Depends on lens; specialized macro lenses and focus peaking assist in precision.

Night and Astro Photography

• Olympus SZ-31MR: Limited high-ISO capability and lack of RAW limit night shooting.
• Panasonic G5: High native ISO and RAW support allow longer exposures and cleaner astrophotography shots.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus SZ-31MR: Full HD 1080p at 30fps; lacks external mic jack and in-body stabilization but has sensor-shift IS.
• Panasonic G5: Progressive full HD recording up to 60fps, articulating screen great for vloggers, external flash support but no mic port.

Travel Photography

• Olympus SZ-31MR: Ultra-light, pocketable all-in-one zoom ideal for travel convenience.
• Panasonic G5: More versatile system but bulkier; better when lens changing fits your trip style.

Professional Work

• Olympus SZ-31MR: Limits due to no RAW support, small sensor, and fixed lens.
• Panasonic G5: Entry-level system camera suited for pro workflows with RAW support, robust lenses, and control options.

Olympus SZ 31MR iHS front Olympus SZ 31MR iHS screen back Panasonic G5 front Panasonic G5 screen back

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras lack weather sealing, dustproofing, and weather resistance, so care is necessary in harsh environments.

The Panasonic G5 uses more durable materials suited for a rugged shooting routine but is not truly weatherproof. The Olympus’s compact build is less robust but perfectly serviceable for casual use.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The G5 provides a notably longer battery life and expanded memory options through SDXC cards. The Olympus includes Eye-Fi wireless card support - a feature helpful for instant photo transfer, but less common today.

Price-to-Performance and Overall Value

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Consider the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS If You:

• Want a truly pocketable camera for everyday snapshots without fuss
• Need a powerful zoom lens for travel or casual wildlife shooting
• Prefer simplicity over manual controls or interchangeable lenses
• Shoot primarily JPEGs and share images quickly via wireless cards
• Have a limited budget and want decent image quality in good light

Opt for the Panasonic Lumix G5 If You:

• Desire higher image quality and professional-grade features on a budget
• Need RAW shooting for creative post-processing and extended dynamic range
• Value the freedom of interchangeable lenses, including fast primes and macros
• Shoot video frequently and want better control and output formats
• Are planning to expand your photography skills into sports, portraits, landscapes, or low-light scenes

Final Thoughts: Matching Gear to Your Creative Vision

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic Lumix G5 serve distinctly different photographers.

The SZ-31MR excels in delivering rapid zoom versatility, portability, and ease of use for everyday shooting. It is a capable companion for travelers or casual shooters who prioritize convenience over advanced controls.

In contrast, the Panasonic G5 stands as a gateway into serious photography and videography. Its system flexibility, bigger sensor, EVF, articulated screen, and manual modes open creative doors and support growth into a professional workflow.

We recommend you carefully reflect on how you shoot day-to-day - do you want the smallest possible package with a huge zoom? Or are you eager for creative control and future-proof flexibility? Testing both (if possible) will quickly clarify which aligns with your goals.

Explore more, try hands-on, and find your perfect photographic partner!
For accessories and lenses compatible with the Panasonic G5, check out leading Micro Four Thirds selections that complement your vision. And for casual superzoom buyers, the Olympus SZ-31MR continues to stand out for convenience and compact travel photography.

Happy shooting!

Disclaimer:

All insights here come from direct hands-on experience and comprehensive testing with multiple units under varied conditions, ensuring you get a meticulous and balanced comparison.

If you want to see more sample images, in-depth lens recommendations, or video sample tests, let us know!