Olympus E-600 vs Panasonic ZS30

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus E-600 versus Panasonic ZS30, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-600 (12MP) and ZS30 (18MP) and the E-600 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-600 was brought out 4 years earlier than the ZS30 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-600 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-600 grades vs the ZS30 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-600 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-600 Gallery & Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-600 enjoys outside measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") with a weight of 515 grams (1.14 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS30 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-600 versus Panasonic ZS30 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-600 versus the ZS30.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-600 and ZS30 is 71 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements just by going over specs. The graphic here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-600 and ZS30.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-600 featuring a larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS30 will offer greater detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older E-600 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.