Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS1

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is pretty comparable but the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-590 UZ was revealed 4 months prior to the ZS1 and they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick view of how the SP-590 UZ grades versus the ZS1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-590 UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery & Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-590 UZ comes with exterior measurements 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") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the SP-590 UZ and the ZS1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SP-590 UZ and ZS1 is 72 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to see the difference in sensor dimensions merely by seeing specs. The picture underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-590 UZ and ZS1.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SP-590 UZ having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus SP-590 UZ will produce more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs way more aggressively.