Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZS10

Its time to examine more in depth at the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic ZS10, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the ZS10 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and ZS10 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

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The E-P1 was revealed 18 months prior to the ZS10 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS10 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-P1 matches up vs the ZS10 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS10 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 has got exterior measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS10 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 219 grams (0.48 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic ZS10 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the E-P1 against the ZS10.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and ZS10 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to picture the gap in sensor measurements purely by looking through technical specs. The photograph below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and ZS10.

As you have seen, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-P1 having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh easier and the Panasonic ZS10 will render greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots much more aggressively. The older E-P1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.