Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic XS1

Here is a extensive overview of the Olympus E-520 versus Panasonic XS1, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and XS1 (16MP) and the E-520 (Four Thirds) and XS1 (1/2.3") offer different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-520 was introduced 5 years earlier than the XS1 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the E-520 grades against the XS1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-520 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-520 offers physical measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Panasonic XS1 has proportions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") having a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-520 versus Panasonic XS1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the E-520 compared to the XS1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-520 and XS1 is 68 and 97 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing just by researching technical specs. The visual below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-520 and XS1.

As you have seen, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-520 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic XS1 will result in greater detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older E-520 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.