Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic S5

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic S5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and S5 (24MP) and the SP-100 (1/2.3") and S5 (Full frame) feature different sensor sizing.

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The SP-100 was revealed 7 years prior to the S5 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a short view of how the SP-100 scores versus the S5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Panasonic S5 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-100 has exterior measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S5 has sizing of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") along with a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic S5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the SP-100 against the S5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and S5 is 63 and 60 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements only by reading technical specs. The photograph below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-100 and S5.

As you have seen, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SP-100 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Panasonic S5 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older SP-100 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.