Olympus SP-565UZ vs Panasonic FZ1000

The following is a extended review of the Olympus SP-565UZ and Panasonic FZ1000, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the SP-565UZ (10MP) and FZ1000 (20MP) and the SP-565UZ (1/2.3") and FZ1000 (1") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SP-565UZ was manufactured 6 years prior to the FZ1000 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-565UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the SP-565UZ scores against the FZ1000 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-565UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-565UZ Gallery & Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-565UZ offers exterior dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") along with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ1000 has measurements of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") along with a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-565UZ and Panasonic FZ1000 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SP-565UZ vs the FZ1000.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-565UZ and FZ1000 is 72 and 55 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor dimensions only by viewing technical specs. The image below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-565UZ and FZ1000.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SP-565UZ because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic FZ1000 will result in extra detail due to its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged SP-565UZ will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.