Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic ZS100

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-520 and Panasonic ZS100, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the E-520 (Four Thirds) and ZS100 (1") provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-520 was announced 8 years earlier than the ZS100 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-520 grades versus the ZS100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-520 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-520 Gallery & Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to think about 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") along with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-520 and Panasonic ZS100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-520 vs the ZS100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-520 and ZS100 is 68 and 87 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-520 and ZS100.

Clearly, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-520 having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will deliver extra detail with its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-520 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.