Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic ZS100

Here is a extended review of the Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic ZS100, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and ZS100 (1") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL6 was introduced 17 months earlier than the ZS100 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-PL6 grades versus the ZS100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL6 enjoys outer measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic ZS100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL6 and the ZS100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL6 and ZS100 is 88 and 87 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor sizing only by going through technical specs. The graphic below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL6 and ZS100.

As you can tell, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL6 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS100 will produce more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs much more aggressively. The older E-PL6 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.