Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic ZS10

The following is a extended assessment of the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic ZS10, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the ZS10 (14MP) is pretty close but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and ZS10 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-30 was launched 22 months prior to the ZS10 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS10 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-30 grades versus the ZS10 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Panasonic ZS10 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-30 provides outside dimensions of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") along with a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS10 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 219 grams (0.48 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic ZS10 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the E-30 versus the ZS10.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-30 and ZS10 is 60 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions only by researching technical specs. The picture here will offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-30 and ZS10.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-30 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS10 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-30 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.