Olympus E-500 vs Panasonic SZ1

In this article, we will be matching up the Olympus E-500 versus Panasonic SZ1, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the E-500 (8MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the E-500 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

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The E-500 was introduced 7 years prior to the SZ1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-500 matches up vs the SZ1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-500 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-500 enjoys physical dimensions of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-500 versus Panasonic SZ1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the E-500 vs the SZ1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-500 and SZ1 is 70 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to picture the gap in sensor sizes purely by researching a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-500 and SZ1.

Clearly, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-500 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic SZ1 will result in more detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged E-500 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.