Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic GF5

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus SP-100 versus Panasonic GF5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and GF5 (12MP) and the SP-100 (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-100 was launched 23 months later than the GF5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a concise view of how the SP-100 matches up versus the GF5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-100 comes with external dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") and a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Panasonic GF5 has sizing of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-100 versus Panasonic GF5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at the time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the SP-100 and the GF5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and GF5 is 63 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading a spec sheet. The graphic below might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-100 and GF5.

As you can see, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SP-100 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Olympus SP-100 will offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The fresher SP-100 should have an edge in sensor technology.