Olympus E-400 vs Panasonic ZS20

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus E-400 and Panasonic ZS20, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the E-400 (10MP) and ZS20 (14MP) and the E-400 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-400 was manufactured 6 years earlier than the ZS20 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-400 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-400 grades against the ZS20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-400 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-400 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-400 has exterior measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-400 and Panasonic ZS20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-400 compared to the ZS20.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-400 and ZS20 is 77 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through technical specs. The graphic here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-400 and ZS20.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-400 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS20 will give more detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images way more aggressively. The older E-400 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.