Olympus E-500 vs Panasonic ZS1

Below is a thorough analysis of the Olympus E-500 and Panasonic ZS1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-500 (8MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is relatively similar but the E-500 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-500 was announced 4 years before the ZS1 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise overview of how the E-500 matches up versus the ZS1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-500 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-500 has exterior 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 ZS1 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-500 and Panasonic ZS1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-500 compared to the ZS1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-500 and ZS1 is 70 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements only by going over specs. The visual underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-500 and ZS1.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-500 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS1 will offer you greater detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older E-500 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.