Olympus E-400 vs Panasonic XS1

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus E-400 versus Panasonic XS1, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the E-400 (10MP) and XS1 (16MP) and the E-400 (Four Thirds) and XS1 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The E-400 was manufactured 7 years before the XS1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-400 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-400 grades against the XS1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-400 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-400 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-400 has outer dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) while the Panasonic XS1 has sizing of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") along with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

See the Olympus E-400 versus Panasonic XS1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-400 compared to the XS1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-400 and XS1 is 77 and 97 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements simply by reviewing specifications. The photograph here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-400 and XS1.

Plainly, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-400 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic XS1 will deliver more detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older E-400 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.