Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS1

Here is a extended assessment of the Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FE-5020 (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is pretty close but the FE-5020 (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The FE-5020 was revealed 3 months later than the ZS1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the FE-5020 matches up against the ZS1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus FE-5020 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus FE-5020 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus FE-5020 has got physical dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the FE-5020 against the ZS1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FE-5020 and ZS1 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Often, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by looking through specifications. The photograph underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the FE-5020 and ZS1.

Plainly, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FE-5020 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus FE-5020 will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively.