Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic ZS1

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic ZS1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P2 was introduced 12 months later than the ZS1 and they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a thorough comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the E-P2 scores vs the ZS1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-P2 enjoys exterior measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic ZS1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the E-P2 and the ZS1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P2 and ZS1 is 86 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements only by reading through specifications. The visual here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P2 and ZS1.

Plainly, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-P2 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-P2 will resolve more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The fresher E-P2 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.