Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic ZS1

Here, we will be matching up the Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic ZS1, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was brought out 4 years after the ZS1 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-M1 scores vs the ZS1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 enjoys outside dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS1 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic ZS1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the E-M1 against the ZS1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and ZS1 is 71 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes simply by going over specs. The pic below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 and ZS1.

All in all, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus E-M1 will offer extra detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more modern E-M1 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.