Olympus E-620 vs Panasonic XS1

Here is a extended review of the Olympus E-620 versus Panasonic XS1, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the E-620 (12MP) and XS1 (16MP) and the E-620 (Four Thirds) and XS1 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-620 was introduced 4 years earlier than the XS1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-620 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-620 grades versus the XS1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-620 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-620 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-620 enjoys outside measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") along with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Panasonic XS1 has measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") having a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-620 versus Panasonic XS1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the E-620 and the XS1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-620 and XS1 is 71 and 97 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-620 and XS1.

Clearly, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-620 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic XS1 will deliver more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older E-620 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.