Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic FZ35

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic FZ35, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the FZ35 (12MP) is pretty similar but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and FZ35 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The E-510 was revealed 3 years prior to the FZ35 which is quite a sizable gap as far as 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 FZ35 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-510 grades versus the FZ35 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-510 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Panasonic FZ35 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-510 enjoys physical dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ35 has specifications of 118mm x 76mm x 89mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 3.5") with a weight of 397 grams (0.88 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic FZ35 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the E-510 and the FZ35.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-510 and FZ35 is 69 and 72 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor dimensions just by reviewing a spec sheet. The pic below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-510 and FZ35.

Clearly, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-510 with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic FZ35 will offer more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-510 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.