Olympus E-M10 IV vs Panasonic ZS20

Let's look more closely at the Olympus E-M10 IV versus Panasonic ZS20, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the E-M10 IV (20MP) and ZS20 (14MP) and the E-M10 IV (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-M10 IV was introduced 8 years later than the ZS20 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M10 IV being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-M10 IV grades versus the ZS20 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-M10 IV Gallery & Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M10 IV offers physical measurements of 122mm x 84mm x 49mm (4.8" x 3.3" x 1.9") having a weight of 383 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-M10 IV versus Panasonic ZS20 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the E-M10 IV against the ZS20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M10 IV and ZS20 is 81 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by going over a spec sheet. The graphic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M10 IV and ZS20.

As you can see, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-M10 IV using its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-M10 IV will offer greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-M10 IV will have an advantage in sensor innovation.