Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic FZ200

Here is a in-depth review of the Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic FZ200, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the FZ200 (12MP) is fairly close but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and FZ200 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-510 was launched 5 years prior to the FZ200 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-510 grades vs the FZ200 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-510 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Panasonic FZ200 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-510 provides external measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ200 has sizing of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") and a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic FZ200 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-510 against the FZ200.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-510 and FZ200 is 69 and 65 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing simply by researching a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-510 and FZ200.

Clearly, both the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-510 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FZ200 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images much more aggressively. The older E-510 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.