Olympus SH-50 vs Panasonic ZS100

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus SH-50 vs Panasonic ZS100, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the SH-50 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SH-50 was unveiled 4 years before the ZS100 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SH-50 matches up vs the ZS100 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SH-50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-50 enjoys physical dimensions of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SH-50 vs Panasonic ZS100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the SH-50 against the ZS100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-50 and ZS100 is 88 and 87 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing just by seeing specifications. The graphic underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-50 and ZS100.

Plainly, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SH-50 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZS100 will provide extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older SH-50 will be behind in sensor tech.