Olympus E-M1 III vs Panasonic ZS50

In this article, we are matching up the Olympus E-M1 III vs Panasonic ZS50, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-M1 III (20MP) and ZS50 (12MP) and the E-M1 III (Four Thirds) and ZS50 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The E-M1 III was unveiled 5 years later than the ZS50 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 III being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-M1 III grades vs the ZS50 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 III Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M1 III provides outer measurements of 134mm x 91mm x 69mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS50 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M1 III vs Panasonic ZS50 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-M1 III and the ZS50.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 III and ZS50 is 67 and 90 respectively.

Usually, its tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by going through specs. The photograph here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1 III and ZS50.

All in all, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-M1 III with its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus E-M1 III will provide more detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images far more aggressively. The fresher E-M1 III is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.