Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic ZS30

Following is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-M1 versus Panasonic ZS30, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is pretty comparable but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was unveiled 10 months after the ZS30 so they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-M1 grades against the ZS30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 features exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS30 has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-M1 versus Panasonic ZS30 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the E-M1 versus the ZS30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and ZS30 is 71 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes purely by seeing technical specs. The pic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 and ZS30.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic ZS30 will provide extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern E-M1 should have an edge in sensor technology.