Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic SZ8

Lets look a bit more in depth at the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic SZ8, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-510 was introduced 7 years before the SZ8 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-510 grades versus the SZ8 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-510 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-510 offers exterior measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ8 has sizing of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic SZ8 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-510 versus the SZ8.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-510 and SZ8 is 69 and 94 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to envision the difference in sensor dimensions merely by seeing specifications. The pic here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-510 and SZ8.

To sum up, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-510 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic SZ8 will provide greater detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-510 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.