Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic TS1

Lets take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic TS1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Waterproof by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the TS1 (12MP) is pretty similar but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and TS1 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-510 was unveiled 14 months prior to the TS1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic TS1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-510 matches up against the TS1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-510 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Panasonic TS1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-510 enjoys exterior 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) and the Panasonic TS1 has sizing of 98mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 0.9") along with a weight of 189 grams (0.42 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic TS1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the E-510 against the TS1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-510 and TS1 is 69 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading a spec sheet. The visual underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-510 and TS1.

As you can see, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-510 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic TS1 will deliver more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older E-510 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.