Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic ZS10

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus E-520 versus Panasonic ZS10, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and ZS10 (14MP) and the E-520 (Four Thirds) and ZS10 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

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The E-520 was revealed 3 years earlier than the ZS10 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS10 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-520 matches up against the ZS10 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-520 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Panasonic ZS10 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-520 offers external dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS10 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 219 grams (0.48 lbs).

See the Olympus E-520 versus Panasonic ZS10 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the E-520 and the ZS10.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-520 and ZS10 is 68 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions purely by going over a spec sheet. The picture underneath might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-520 and ZS10.

Clearly, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-520 with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS10 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged E-520 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.