Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS1

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic ZS1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") boast different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was launched 2 years later than the ZS1 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PM1 scores versus the ZS1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 offers outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic ZS1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the ZS1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and ZS1 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading through specifications. The photograph below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and ZS1.

To sum up, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PM1 will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The younger E-PM1 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.