Olympus 5010 vs Panasonic G5

Below is a in-depth review of the Olympus 5010 and Panasonic G5, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 5010 (14MP) and the G5 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the 5010 (1/2.3") and G5 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 5010 was manufactured 3 years prior to the G5 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus 5010 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a short summary of how the 5010 scores vs the G5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 5010 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus 5010 Gallery and Panasonic G5 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus 5010 features outer dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Panasonic G5 has proportions of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs).

Examine the Olympus 5010 and Panasonic G5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the 5010 vs the G5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 5010 and G5 is 96 and 74 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to envision the difference between sensor measurements merely by looking at technical specs. The graphic here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the 5010 and G5.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 5010 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic G5 will give you greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older 5010 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.