Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic S1

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the S1 (12MP) is relatively similar and both cameras have the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The SP-590 UZ was introduced 24 months before the S1 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SP-590 UZ grades vs the S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-590 UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery & Panasonic S1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ offers physical measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") having a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) and the Panasonic S1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic S1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the SP-590 UZ versus the S1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-590 UZ and S1 is 72 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading technical specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-590 UZ and S1.

As you can tell, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size and the same exact resolution so you can expect similar quality of photos but you may want to take the launch date of the products into consideration. The older SP-590 UZ is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.