Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic ZS50

Here, we are comparing the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic ZS50, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the ZS50 (12MP) is very close but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and ZS50 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-510 was introduced 8 years earlier than the ZS50 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-510 grades vs the ZS50 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-510 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery & Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-510 enjoys outside 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 ZS50 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic ZS50 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-510 against the ZS50.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-510 and ZS50 is 69 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to visualise the difference in sensor measurements merely by looking through specs. The photograph underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-510 and ZS50.

All in all, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-510 having a larger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic ZS50 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The older E-510 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.