Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic ZS1

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus E-520 and Panasonic ZS1, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-520 (10MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the E-520 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") boast different sensor size.

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The E-520 was unveiled 8 months prior to the ZS1 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-520 matches up vs the ZS1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-520 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-520 enjoys outer dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS1 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

See the Olympus E-520 and Panasonic ZS1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-520 compared to the ZS1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-520 and ZS1 is 68 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through specifications. The visual here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-520 and ZS1.

Plainly, both of those cameras have the same megapixels albeit different sensor sizing. The E-520 has the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF easier. The older E-520 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.