Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic ZS20

Let's look more closely at the Olympus E-420 versus Panasonic ZS20, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-420 (10MP) and ZS20 (14MP) and the E-420 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-420 was revealed 4 years earlier than the ZS20 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-420 scores against the ZS20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-420 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-420 offers exterior dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS20 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-420 versus Panasonic ZS20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-420 and the ZS20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-420 and ZS20 is 77 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by reviewing specifications. The visual below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-420 and ZS20.

To sum up, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-420 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS20 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older E-420 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.