Olympus SP-565UZ vs Panasonic ZS1

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus SP-565UZ vs Panasonic ZS1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-565UZ (10MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the SP-565UZ (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SP-565UZ was brought out 3 months before the ZS1 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SP-565UZ scores vs the ZS1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-565UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-565UZ Gallery & Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-565UZ has exterior dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS1 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-565UZ vs Panasonic ZS1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SP-565UZ against the ZS1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-565UZ and ZS1 is 72 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading through specifications. The visual below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-565UZ and ZS1.

To sum up, the two cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SP-565UZ comes with the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF less difficult.