Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZS35: Unpacking Two Unique Cameras from Different Worlds

When it comes to choosing a camera, it’s often a tale of apples versus oranges, especially across different generations and form factors. That’s exactly the situation with the Olympus PEN E-P1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35. On the surface, they seem barely comparable - one’s a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera from 2009 rooted in classic rangefinder styling; the other, a small sensor superzoom compact from 2014 designed for versatility and convenience. But peel away the marketing layers, and you find a surprisingly instructive dialogue about how camera technology serves photography in markedly different ways.

I’ve spent countless hours with both cameras and tested their capabilities in the field, so here’s a no-fluff, hands-on, and technical breakdown of how they shape real-world photography - the good, the not-so-good, and what each camera uniquely offers to enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Size, Design, and Handling: Classic Charm Meets Pocketable Practicality

Starting with looks and feel, the Olympus E-P1 is an unabashed nod to traditional rangefinder cameras, boasting a retro-inspired rangefinder-style mirrorless body. It measures 121 x 70 x 36 mm and weighs 355 g - modest by today’s standards but substantially larger than the ZS35, which is a compact designed to slip effortlessly into your jacket pocket at 107 x 62 x 32 mm and just 305 g.

The build quality of the E-P1 speaks to Olympus’ attention to classic craftsmanship - a metal chassis with a minimalistic control layout that emphasizes manual control and tactile feedback. Its rangefinder styling doesn’t just pay homage to analog cameras but invites you to slow down and thoughtfully compose.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic ZS35 is pure functionality in a small shell, with all controls designed for quick adjustments. The tilting 3-inch LCD screen with a sharp 460k-dot resolution adds to its versatility, especially for travel and street shooters who appreciate shooting from unconventional angles.

The ergonomics lean heavily in favor of the Olympus for extended shooting sessions - the grip is more substantial, and the control dials offer a satisfying twist. The Panasonic’s compactness, however, makes it the more carry-friendly option for casual everyday shooting.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now, here’s where things get interesting. The E-P1 sports a Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the ZS35 relies on a much smaller 1/2.3” sensor at 6.08 x 4.56 mm but manages to crank out 16 megapixels.

While the megapixel count might tempt you to think the ZS35 punches above its weight, sensor real estate tells a deeper story. Larger sensors generally deliver better image quality, especially in dynamic range, noise control, and depth of field control. The Olympus’ sensor area is roughly 8 times bigger than the Panasonic’s. What does this mean practically?

• Dynamic Range and Color Depth: Tested via DxO Mark’s benchmarks, the E-P1 scores decently with a respectable 10.4 EV dynamic range and 21.4 bits of color depth for a 2009-era camera. The ZS35 lacks official DxO results but is known to struggle more with shadows and highlight retention - typical of compact superzoom sensors.

• High ISO Performance: With a native max ISO of 6400, the Olympus performs reasonably in low light, with usable images up to ISO 1600-3200 depending on noise tolerance. Conversely, the ZS35 maxes out at ISO 3200 and generally produces noisier results beyond ISO 400 due to its smaller sensor.

• Optical Quality and Compression: The E-P1’s Micro Four Thirds system allows for interchangeable lenses, offering superior optical quality with prime and zoom lenses. The ZS35’s fixed 24-480mm equivalent lens is convenient but compromises optical sharpness and aperture for reach.

So, for photographers who prioritize clean images with better tonal gradation and lens flexibility, Olympus has the clear edge. But for those who want an all-in-one, pocketable zoom beast, Panasonic’s sensor does what it can within its compact constraints.

Autofocus System and Shooting Speed: Tracking vs Precision

Nothing disrupts a photo moment like slow or inaccurate autofocus, so let’s pit these cameras’ AF systems head-to-head.

The Olympus E-P1 uses contrast-detection autofocus with 11 focus points - it offers face detection but no eye or animal eye AF (which is nowadays a luxury). AF tracking is absent, limiting continuous focus on moving subjects. Continuous shooting tops out at a sedate 3 fps.

In contrast, the ZS35 also relies on contrast-detection AF but boasts 21 focus points and supports face and AF tracking, making it surprisingly nimble in following subjects. Its continuous shooting rate is a rapid 10 fps, a boon for capturing fleeting action or bursts.

For photographing wildlife or sports with fast or erratic movement - despite the E-P1’s better sensor - autofocus capabilities may prove limiting. The Panasonic, while weaker in image quality, offers more playful flexibility for dynamic environments.

Build and Weather Resistance: Without the Armor

Neither camera claims to be weather-sealed or rugged. Both lack dustproofing, waterproofing, and freeze- or shock-resistance - unsurprising given their market segment and era. Be mindful shooting outdoors in adverse conditions; a protective case or cautious handling is mandatory.

LCD Screen, Viewfinder, and User Interface

The Olympus E-P1 features a 3-inch fixed HyperCrystal LCD with 230k-dot resolution, which in today’s terms feels quite underwhelming - it can be hard to compose and review images in bright daylight despite its anti-reflective coating.

The Panasonic ZS35 improves here with a tilting 3-inch 460k-dot TFT LCD, adding flexibility for low-angle or overhead shots, and better visibility overall.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder. For compositions under bright sun or precise manual focusing (such as macro or landscape), this can be a challenge - more so on the E-P1 due to its screen limitation.

Interface-wise, the Olympus embraces manual exposure modes with priority options and a classic dial system, which is rewarding for photographers who relish creative control. The ZS35 also offers manual exposure but is more geared toward automated assist modes to streamline the snapshot experience.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

This is a domain where the venerable Olympus really shines due to Micro Four Thirds lens compatibility. With 107 lenses available (including primes, zooms, macro, and specialty lenses), users can tailor optical tools precisely to their style - from ultra-wide landscapes to creamy telephoto portraits.

The Panasonic ZS35 sports a fixed 20x zoom from 24–480 mm equivalent, an incredible reach for a compact camera, suitable for travel and casual wildlife or street photography. The tradeoff is aperture: starting at f/3.3 and closing to f/6.4 at long end, limiting its low light capability and depth-of-field control.

For macro enthusiasts, the Panasonic focuses down to 3 cm, enabling close-up shots without accessories, whereas the Olympus depends on dedicated macro lenses.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The Olympus E-P1 claims around 300 shots per charge on a single BLS-1 battery, which is respectable for an entry-level mirrorless from 2009 but modest by current standards. The Panasonic doesn’t specify a battery model or life figure here, but similar compact superzooms typically range between 250-350 shots per charge.

Both cameras rely on SD/SDHC cards (with the ZS35 adding SDXC compatibility and internal storage), providing convenient, removable storage options.

Connectivity and Extras

Here, the Panasonic ZS35 partially pulls ahead with built-in wireless connectivity - enabling image transfer and remote control via apps, a feature Olympus didn’t include on the E-P1. Neither camera offers Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS, reflecting their generation’s technology.

Both include HDMI output and USB 2.0 ports, useful for tethering or external viewing.

Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting video sound quality options.

Video Capabilities: More Than Still Pictures

While neither camera sets the bar for video, their specs differ notably:

• Olympus E-P1 records HD video at 1280 x 720 pixels, 30fps, using Motion JPEG format - reliable but limited in resolution and compression efficiency.

• Panasonic ZS35 upgrades to full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30fps, MPEG-4 format, offering superior detail and file-size management.

Neither camera supports advanced features such as 4K or high frame rate slow motion, nor do they offer in-body or digital stabilization beyond what the lens or sensor imparts.

For casual video users on the go, the Panasonic’s full HD and zoom range video versatility may be more appealing. The Olympus’s video is rather basic and secondary.

Applying These Cameras Across Photography Genres

Let’s put these specifications into perspective by how these cameras perform in real-world photographic genres:

Olympus E P1 front Olympus E P1 screen back Panasonic ZS35 front Panasonic ZS35 screen back

Portrait Photography

The Olympus E-P1’s larger sensor and interchangeable lenses allow superior rendition of skin tones and background separation (bokeh), especially with fast prime lenses - albeit without the luxury of sophisticated eye-AF tracking.

The Panasonic ZS35’s small sensor and variable aperture limit bokeh and color nuance, but built-in face detection aids in maintaining focus on subjects. Good enough for casual portraits but with less creative scope.

Landscape Photography

Here, resolution, dynamic range, and lens sharpness count. The E-P1 delivers more detailed images with better tonal gradients and sharpness through quality wide-angle lenses. The ZS35’s small sensor and superzoom are convenient but tend toward more noisy shadows and less detail fidelity.

Neither camera has weather sealing - Olympus users may need to deploy lens hoods and weather covers in harsh environments.

Wildlife Photography

The Panasonic steps forward with its 20x zoom and 10 fps shooting speed plus AF tracking - making it capable of catching fast, distant subjects. However, image quality will fall short compared to a DSLR or mirrorless with larger sensors.

The E-P1’s better sensor and lens quality are hamstrung by slower 3 fps burst and no AF tracking, limiting use for fast wildlife.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is ideal for serious sports photography. The Panasonic’s faster burst and AF tracking help capture action better than the Olympus, which struggles with continuous focus and frame rate.

Street Photography

Compactness and discretion matter here. The Olympus E-P1 is larger but still relatively discreet with classic styling, while the Panasonic’s small size and zoom flexibility allow spontaneous shooting from distance.

Limited low light performance on both cameras may hinder dimly lit street scenes.

Macro Photography

The Panasonic’s 3 cm macro focus range is great for novices wanting close-ups without extra lenses or equipment. Olympus users must invest in dedicated macro lenses but gain higher image quality and sharpness.

Night and Astro Photography

The Olympus’s larger sensor offers better low light capabilities, making it more suitable for night shots, provided you employ good tripods and long exposures. The Panasonic’s small sensor and limited ISO range struggle with noise.

Video Content Creation

With full HD video and optical zoom, the Panasonic ZS35 outclasses the Olympus E-P1’s 720p limit, appealing more to vloggers or casual videographers.

Travel Photography

The Panasonic is designed for travel convenience - lightweight, compact, and long zoom range. The Olympus requires more lens changes and careful packing but rewards with superior image quality.

Professional Use

Neither camera is professional-grade in terms of ruggedness, speed, or workflow. The E-P1’s raw support is a boon for editing flexibility, while the ZS35’s lack of raw limits post-processing potential.

Technical Scorecard and Final Thoughts

Looking at overall performance, the Olympus E-P1 scores better in sensor performance and image quality, thanks to its larger sensor and lens ecosystem. The Panasonic ZS35 scores higher in burst shooting, zoom range, and video capabilities.

Who Should Buy the Olympus PEN E-P1?

If you value creative control, superior image quality, and plan to invest in lenses, the E-P1 remains charming even a decade on. It suits relaxed portrait, landscape, and travel shooters who appreciate tactile controls and the feel of a proper camera.

Its limitations in autofocus and video make it ill-suited for fast action or modern video demands.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35?

If you want an all-in-one compact for travel, street, or casual wildlife without fussing over lens swaps - and appreciate full HD video - the ZS35 makes sense. It’s particularly attractive for users prioritizing portability and zoom reach over ultimate image quality.

However, expect image quality compromises in challenging light or enlarged prints.

In Closing: It’s Not Always About Specs - It’s How You Use Them

Choosing between Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic ZS35 feels like picking between a vintage sports car and a Swiss Army knife: the E-P1 offers an engaging, high-quality shooting experience for those willing to invest time and lenses, while the ZS35 is a fly-anywhere, ready-for-anything companion with modest expectations on image quality.

Both tell compelling stories about what photography means in different corners of the enthusiast market. As someone who has wielded both, I recommend aligning your choice with what you cherish most - be it creative control or convenience. Either way, you’re in for diverse photographic journeys worth savoring.

Happy shooting!