Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZS100

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic ZS100, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and ZS100 (1") possess totally different sensor sizing.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-P1 was introduced 7 years earlier than the ZS100 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-P1 scores versus the ZS100 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 enjoys physical dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic ZS100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-P1 vs the ZS100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P1 and ZS100 is 86 and 87 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions simply by going over specifications. The picture here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P1 and ZS100.

Plainly, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-P1 using its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer you extra detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.