Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic ZS7

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-520 and Panasonic ZS7, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-520 (10MP) and the ZS7 (12MP) is very well matched but the E-520 (Four Thirds) and ZS7 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-520 was introduced 3 years earlier than the ZS7 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-520 grades against the ZS7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-520 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-520 Gallery & Panasonic ZS7 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-520 has got exterior measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS7 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

See the Olympus E-520 and Panasonic ZS7 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-520 vs the ZS7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-520 and ZS7 is 68 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading through specifications. The graphic here might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-520 and ZS7.

Plainly, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-520 using its larger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic ZS7 will resolve more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older E-520 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.