Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZS7

Here is a thorough review of the Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZS7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the ZS7 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and ZS7 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-P1 was launched 24 months earlier than the ZS7 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a short view of how the E-P1 scores vs the ZS7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS7 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 offers outer measurements 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 ZS7 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZS7 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-P1 against the ZS7.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and ZS7 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through technical specs. The photograph underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and ZS7.

As you can tell, the two cameras come with the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-P1 includes the bigger sensor which is going to make getting bokeh easier. The older E-P1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.