Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic ZS200

Exploring Two Eras of Imaging: Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS200

Choosing a camera is often a stroll down the path of compromises - balancing budget, image quality, ergonomics, and versatility. Today, we’re diving deep into two intriguing models from different periods and categories: the Olympus E-520, an entry-level DSLR from 2008, and the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200, a large sensor compact announced in 2018. Both have their unique appeal, but how do they stack up across the spectrum of photographic needs? Having extensively tested thousands of cameras over my career, I want to share hands-on insights and practical advice to help you make an informed purchase tailored to your style.

Let’s start by putting these two cameras side-by-side, literally.

A Matter of Size and Handling: The Feel Factor

At first glance, the Olympus E-520 is a compact DSLR with a traditional handgrip, noticeably bulkier and heavier than the Panasonic ZS200, which flaunts a sleek large-sensor compact body. The E-520 weighs 552g and measures roughly 136x92x68mm, whereas the ZS200 is lighter at 340g and noticeably more pocket-friendly at 111x66x45mm.

For someone serious about grip and manual control - the tactile feel of dedicated dials and buttons - the E-520’s DSLR form factor brings a more substantial presence. It caters well to those comfortable with or preferring optical viewfinders and physical controls. Meanwhile, the ZS200 emphasizes portability without sacrificing too much in handling; its deep grip and thoughtfully placed buttons, coupled with a touchscreen, make it nimble and modern.

Looking a bit closer at their top design and control layout reveals how each brand approaches user interaction.

Here, Olympus sticks to classic DSLR ergonomics: a mode dial, dedicated buttons for drive modes, flash, and exposure compensation, along with a top LCD for quick readouts - although the display resolution is modest (230k dots). Panasonic, targeting compact shooters, opts for a cleaner top plate with fewer dedicated buttons but packs the ZS200 with a well-sized mode dial, command dial, and a textured zoom rocker around the shutter release. The presence of a touchscreen on the back (which we’ll explore shortly) compensates for fewer physical controls, allowing for intuitive navigation and focus point selection.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Understanding sensor size and type is fundamental before dissecting how these cameras perform across genres. The Olympus E-520 sports a Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13mm, 10MP), while the Panasonic ZS200 boasts a larger 1-inch type MOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8mm, 20MP).

Despite the E-520’s larger sensor area (approximately 225mm² vs. 116mm² in the ZS200), its 10-megapixel resolution is modest by today’s standards. The Panasonic’s 20MP sensor offers much higher resolution in a smaller footprint, benefiting from advances in sensor design and processing over the decade separating their release.

What does that mean in practice? The Olympus delivers excellent color depth (21.4 bits) and a good dynamic range of 10.4 EV (according to DxOmark), excellent for landscapes and controlled lighting scenarios. Its maximum native ISO sits at 1600, showing strong performance in moderate low-light conditions but understandably limited by today’s standards.

Panasonic’s ZS200, while not yet evaluated by DxOmark as of this writing, typically benefits from better high ISO usability due to newer sensor technology and image processing. Its ISO range extends up to 12800 natively and 25600 boosted, allowing more flexibility in dim environments.

The Viewfinder and Rear Screen Experience

DSLR shooters prize the optical viewfinder for clarity and zero lag, a feature the Olympus E-520 provides via a pentamirror offering 95% coverage and 0.46x magnification. The downside: not 100% frame coverage and a somewhat dimmer view compared to pentaprisms or electronic options.

Panasonic’s ZS200 replaces the optical viewfinder with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) that boasts a crisp 2.33 million-dot resolution, full 100% coverage, and a slight magnification advantage (0.53x). For many, this EVF offers a more accurate framing preview and helpful exposure overlays, though purists might miss optical immediacy.

On the rear, the Olympus’s 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k-dot resolution pales in comparison to the ZS200’s sharp 3-inch touchscreen with 1,240k dots. The touchscreen capability adds a layer of usability for focus selection and menu navigation - something I find invaluable in travel or street shooting scenarios where you want to work fast and discreetly.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

The Olympus E-520 employs a hybrid AF system leveraging 3 focus points with face detection and contrast plus phase detection, but it lacks continuous tracking autofocus. Its burst shooting peaks at 4 fps, respectable for an entry-level DSLR in 2008.

In contrast, the Panasonic ZS200 benefits from 49 contrast-detection AF points, face detection, AF tracking, and even focus bracketing and stacking modes. Continuous burst rates reach 10 fps, more than double the Olympus, making it superior for capturing quick action or fleeting expressions.

In real-world wildlife or sports photography, the ZS200’s faster and more flexible AF system and quicker frames per second provide a tangible edge - especially considering its slower mechanical shutter (max 1/2000s) is compensated by a fast electronic shutter up to 1/16000s for freezing high-speed action.

Ergonomics, Build Quality, and User Interface

None of these cameras is weather sealed - a common compromise at their respective price points. Yet, build quality and handling still play vital roles.

The Olympus feels solid with a traditional DSLR heft, comfortable for longer shoots where stability matters. However, it’s slightly bulkier for travel or street photography, a niche where the Panasonic’s compact dimensions shine. Although both have fixed rear screens, the ZS200’s touchscreen feels more natural and responsive in daily use.

Battery life heavily favors the Olympus E-520, rated for approximately 650 shots per charge, compared to around 370 for the Panasonic. For extended outings or remote trips, that autonomy difference matters, although the ZS200’s battery is lighter and can be supplemented with spares more conveniently due to its size.

Storage-wise, Olympus uses Compact Flash and xD cards - formats that are increasingly hard to find - while Panasonic sticks to ubiquitous SD cards supporting UHS-I speeds. For practicality and future-proofing, the ZS200 wins hands down here.

Lenses and System Versatility

The Olympus E-520, being a Four Thirds DSLR, sits within a mature system offering over 45 native lenses, ranging from fast primes to professional zooms. This ecosystem remains attractive to those wanting depth and optical variety - macro lenses, tilt-shift options, super-teles, you name it.

The Panasonic ZS200’s lens is fixed: a versatile 24-360mm (35mm equivalent) zoom with an aperture range of f/3.3-6.4. While it suits travel, street, and casual wildlife photography well due to its broad reach and close focusing from 5cm, it cannot be swapped out for specialized optics.

If adaptability and optical excellence matter most to you - say, for portraiture or sports - Olympus offers the flexibility to swap lenses, albeit at the cost of size and weight. If convenience and minimal gear are priorities, the ZS200’s all-in-one zoom ticks many boxes.

Diving into Photography Genres: Practical Insights

Let’s break down how each camera fares in specific photography use cases.

Portrait Photography

Panasonic’s 20MP sensor resolution is a plus for retaining finer detail in facial features, complemented by face detection and touch autofocus. However, the Olympus benefits from a larger sensor area, which generally enables smoother background blur (bokeh) when paired with suitable lenses. The E-520’s native Four Thirds lenses often produce creamier backgrounds than the ZS200’s small zoom aperture.

Eye detection AF is lacking in both, but Panasonic’s improved face tracking lends it the edge in portrait sessions. Skin tones on both cameras are pleasant, with Olympus slightly warmer and more neutral; Panasonic’s images tend toward punchier colors, often favored for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is where Olympus’s sensor shines, allowing it to retain highlight and shadow detail better in scenes with challenging lighting. The 10MP resolution might feel limiting if you want large prints, yet it suffices for web and moderate enlargements.

Weather sealing absence detracts from outdoor reliability, but Olympus lenses and bodies historically had decent weather resistance in higher-end models.

Panasonic’s higher resolution is attractive for large prints, but the smaller sensor and zoom lens with variable aperture reduce edge-to-edge sharpness and dynamic range subtly. However, the full coverage EVF and articulated screen (not present, but ZS200’s fixed screen is bright and sharp) aid composition in tricky light.

Wildlife Photography

Speed and reach matter here. The Olympus requires pairing with telephoto lenses (which can get heavy and costly) to compete with the ZS200’s versatile 360mm (35mm equivalent) zoom. Its slower 4 fps continuous shooting and limited AF tracking curtail burst capture potential.

Panasonic’s rapid 10 fps burst rate, AF tracking, and long zoom lens make it a more traveler-friendly wildlife shooter. Though the sensor is smaller, the faster burst and decent lens range make the ZS200 a practical choice for spontaneous wildlife outings.

Sports Photography

Both cameras fall short of dedicated sports DSLR or mirrorless expectations, but Panasonic’s 10 fps and continuous AF tracking give it the edge over Olympus. Additionally, the electronic shutter on the ZS200 enables silent, vibration-free bursts - handy in quiet environments like indoor sports.

Olympus’ moderate shutter speed ceiling (1/4000s) is adequate for daylight sports but limited compared to modern rivals. The ZS200’s 1/16000s electronic shutter allows freezing faster action or shooting wider apertures in bright light.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion are keys here. The tiny Panasonic ZS200 absolutely wins, thanks to its compactness, silent shutter, and touchscreen controls minimizing noise and fuss. Its 24mm equivalent wide-end captures broader scenes effectively.

The Olympus E-520, larger and louder, is less suited to candid street work, though its optical finder may appeal to traditionalists wanting pure framing.

Macro Photography

Panasonic’s close focusing capability of 5cm - paired with focus bracketing and stacking modes - gives it a clear macro advantage. The built-in lens and stabilization facilitate handheld macro shots with decent depth and clarity.

Olympus lacks specialized macro features in this model but can leverage dedicated macro lenses from the Four Thirds lineup, assuming you own or plan to invest in them.

Night and Astrophotography

Low light performance tips in favor of Olympus for cleaner images up to ISO 1600, with sensor-based stabilization assisting longer exposures. But the ZS200’s electronic stabilization and higher maximum ISO enable more flexible handheld shooting at night, albeit with some noise trade-offs.

Neither model is specifically designed for astrophotography, but Olympus’s larger sensor area helps in starfield resolution, contrasting with Panasonic’s higher ISO reach to capture faint stars quicker.

Video Capabilities

Olympus E-520 does not offer video recording, a downside for any multimedia enthusiast today.

The Panasonic ZS200 shines here with 4K video (UHD at 3840×2160), H.264 codec support, a built-in stereo mic, and optical stabilization lending smooth footage. Although it lacks microphone/headphone jacks, this camera is arguably a strong travel vlogging tool.

Travel Photography

Between these two, Panasonic’s lightweight, feature-rich body and versatile zoom lens make it the sensible traveler’s companion. The Olympus’s bulk, CF card requirement, and shorter zoom range necessitate more kit.

Still, for longer trips where image quality and lens swapping options are priorities, Olympus could appeal - but at a cost of convenience.

Professional Work

For professionals requiring robust RAW support, tethering, and expandability, Olympus represents a legacy DSLR ecosystem with comprehensive workflows. Its Four Thirds mount allows integrating prime and specialty lenses, backing serious output.

Panasonic’s compact form limits professional-grade adaptability but serves well for lifestyle professionals needing walk-around reliability and effortless 4K video.

Olympus E 520 front Olympus E 520 screen back Panasonic ZS200 front Panasonic ZS200 screen back

Image Quality Summaries and Performance Scores

Although old and new can’t directly be compared on identical metrics, the Olympus scored a respectable 55 overall on DxOmark when tested, with great color depth and dynamic range for its time.

The Panasonic, not officially tested on DxOmark, benefits from modern sensor and image processor advances - likely outpacing Olympus in noise control and resolution.

Breaking it down by genre:

As expected, Panasonic excels in versatility, speed, and video, while Olympus maintains strength in dynamic range and manual lens options for critical image quality.

Technical Considerations Beyond Imaging

Connectivity: Olympus E-520 has none; no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, requiring USB 2.0 wired transfers. Panasonic ZS200 supports built-in wireless connectivity and Bluetooth, allowing seamless sharing and remote control via smartphone apps - a big plus in the workflow today.

Storage: CF and xD cards for Olympus are outdated; Panasonic’s SD card compatibility is universal and future-proof.

Battery: Olympus wins longevity but needs bulkier batteries and chargers. Panasonic is more compact but with shorter endurance, requiring spares on long trips.

Value Assessment: What You Get For the Money

At the time of writing, Olympus E-520 sells for around $400 used or refurbished; Panasonic ZS200 retails new closer to $800.

For budget-conscious beginners, Olympus offers an affordable entry to Four Thirds DSLR photography, plus a path to sturdy lenses. For those valuing portability, speed, and modern features like 4K video, the ZS200 justifies its price premium.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you asked me to pick a camera for a specific type of user today, here’s how I’d break it down:

• Enthusiasts on a budget who like DSLR ergonomics and interchangeable lenses: Go for the Olympus E-520. Its Four Thirds sensor delivers solid image quality, and the system lens lineup is generous. Just plan for older storage formats and less connectivity.

• Travelers, casual wildlife shooters, vloggers, and busy street photographers: Panasonic ZS200 is a smarter pick. Lightweight, pocketable, with a powerful zoom, fast AF, 4K video, and wireless sharing, it covers many bases elegantly.

• Portrait photographers wanting creamy bokeh and precise manual focus control: Olympus, combined with quality Four Thirds prime lenses, still produces aesthetically pleasing skin tones and background separation.

• Landscape and astrophotographers requiring dynamic range and image depth: Olympus offers better sensor characteristics there, but Panasonic's higher resolution and wider ISO range make it a flexible alternative for handheld, quick snaps.

• Sports and action shooters needing rapid continuous shooting: Panasonic’s faster burst rate and AF tracking lend it advantage, though neither camera fully satisfies the demands of competitive sports photography.

Investigating classic DSLRs versus modern compact cameras is a voyage through photographic evolution. Both Olympus E-520 and Panasonic ZS200 reflect their times brilliantly. I hope this comparison has clarified strengths and compromises so you can make the choice that best suits your photographic journey.

If you like in-depth camera reviews that go beyond specs and numbers, keep following here - I’ll keep sharing real-world insights drawn from years of testing, shooting, and loving photography.

Happy shooting!