Olympus E-400 vs Panasonic SZ1

On this page, we are looking at the Olympus E-400 versus Panasonic SZ1, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the E-400 (10MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the E-400 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-400 was released 6 years earlier than the SZ1 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-400 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-400 grades vs the SZ1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-400 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-400 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-400 enjoys outside measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") with a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-400 versus Panasonic SZ1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-400 and the SZ1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-400 and SZ1 is 77 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes just by reading through specifications. The pic underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-400 and SZ1.

To sum up, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-400 because of its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic SZ1 will give more detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics more aggressively. The more aged E-400 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.