Olympus E-500 vs Panasonic FZ150

On this page, we are comparing the Olympus E-500 vs Panasonic FZ150, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the E-500 (8MP) and FZ150 (12MP) and the E-500 (Four Thirds) and FZ150 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

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The E-500 was brought out 7 years before the FZ150 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FZ150 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-500 scores against the FZ150 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-500 Gallery and Panasonic FZ150 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-500 comes with physical measurements of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ150 has measurements of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 528 grams (1.16 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-500 vs Panasonic FZ150 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-500 compared to the FZ150.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-500 and FZ150 is 70 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading through specs. The visual below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-500 and FZ150.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-500 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh easier and the Panasonic FZ150 will resolve greater detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos more aggressively. The older E-500 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.