Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic S1

Here, we will be comparing the Olympus E-520 versus Panasonic S1, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and S1 (24MP) and the E-520 (Four Thirds) and S1 (Full frame) offer different sensor sizes.

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The E-520 was introduced 11 years before the S1 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-520 scores versus the S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-520 & Panasonic Lumix DC-S1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-520 Gallery & Panasonic S1 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-520 has exterior dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Panasonic S1 has dimensions of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") accompanied by a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-520 versus Panasonic S1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the E-520 against the S1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-520 and S1 is 68 and 54 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions simply by looking through technical specs. The image underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-520 and S1.

As you have seen, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-520 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic S1 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 14MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-520 will be behind in sensor tech.