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Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS20

Portability
72 Imaging
34 Features
38 Overall
35
Olympus SP-590 UZ front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 front
Portability
92 Imaging
37 Features
46 Overall
40

Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS20 Key Specs

Olympus SP-590 UZ
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 64 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 26-676mm (F2.8-5.0) lens
  • 413g - 116 x 84 x 81mm
  • Introduced January 2009
  • Successor is Olympus SP-600 UZ
Panasonic ZS20
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-480mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
  • 206g - 105 x 59 x 28mm
  • Introduced April 2012
  • Other Name is Lumix DMC-TZ30
  • Superseded the Panasonic ZS15
  • Renewed by Panasonic ZS25
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Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS20 Overview

In this article, we are analyzing the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic ZS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is fairly close and they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-590 UZ was announced 4 years earlier than the ZS20 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SP-590 UZ grades versus the ZS20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Olympus SP-590 UZ over the Panasonic ZS20

		

		

			
 SP-590 UZ ZS20 
Manual focus  Dial exact focus
		

	

	
	

		

		
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS20 over the Olympus SP-590 UZ

		

		

			
 ZS20 SP-590 UZ 
IntroducedApril 2012January 2009More modern by 40 months
Display sizing3"2.7"Larger display (+0.3")
Display resolution460k230kCrisper display (+230k dot)
Touch friendly display  Easily navigate
		

	

	
	

		

		
Common features in the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic ZS20

		

		

			
 SP-590 UZ ZS20 
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Selfie screen  Lacking selfie screen
		

	

	

	
	
	
	

	

		

		
Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS20 Physical Comparison

		

		

			
When you are going to carry around your camera, you should consider 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) while the Panasonic ZS20 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).
Compare the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic ZS20 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses
Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the SP-590 UZ against the ZS20.
Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS20 size comparison
Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-590 UZ and ZS20 is 72 and 92 respectively.
Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS20 top view buttons comparison		

	

	
	

		

		
Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS20 Sensor Comparison

		

		

			
Normally, its tough to picture the gap in sensor sizes only by viewing specs. The pic here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-590 UZ and ZS20.
All in all, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Panasonic ZS20 to result in greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged SP-590 UZ will be behind in sensor tech.
	
			Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS20 sensor size comparison			
		

	

	
	

		

		
Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS20 Screen and ViewFinder

		

		

					

		Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS20 Screen and Viewfinder comparison	

	
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Photography Type Scores

		

	

	
Portrait Comparison
Portrait photography with Olympus SP-590 UZ
Portrait photography with Panasonic ZS20
36
 manual focus
 exports RAW files
 external flash not possible
 sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
 small sensor (1/2.3")
30
 good megapixels (14MP)
 no manual focus
 no external flash support
 sensor  is small (1/2.3")
 has no RAW format
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Street Comparison
Olympus SP-590 UZ Street photography highlights
Panasonic ZS20 Street photography highlights
59
 built in image stabilization (Optical)
 exports RAW files
 environment proofing
 fixed screen
 small sensor (1/2.3")
65
 image stabilization (Optical)
 provides focus by touch
 lighter than average in class (206g)
 fixed screen
 sensor  is small (1/2.3")
 has no RAW format
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Sports Comparison
Olympus SP-590 UZ Sports photography advice
Panasonic ZS20 Sports photography advice
38
 amazing zoom range (26-676mm  26.0 x zoom)
 built in image stabilization (Optical)
 environment proofing
 max fps low (6.0 fps)
 sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
 small sensor (1/2.3")
 doesn't have phase detect auto focus
47
 amazing zoom range (24-480mm  20.0 x zoom)
 image stabilization (Optical)
 good megapixels (14MP)
 includes tracking focus
 sensor  is small (1/2.3")
 low battery power (260 shots)
 has no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison
 Olympus SP-590 UZ as a Travel photography camera
 Panasonic ZS20 as a Travel photography camera
58
 environment proofing
 flash built-in
 pretty wide (26mm)
 great zoom (676mm)
 sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
 doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
 somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
68
 lighter than average in class (206g)
 provides focus by touch
 good megapixels (14 megapixels)
 has built in flash
 fairly wide (24mm)
 very long zoom (480mm)
 doesn't have Timelapse recording
 low battery power (260 shots)
 display isn't selfie friendly
 slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison
Olympus SP-590 UZ Landscape photography details
Panasonic ZS20 Landscape photography details
45
 manual focus
 pretty wide (26mm)
 built in image stabilization (Optical)
 exports RAW files
 environment proofing
 fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
 somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
 screen is small (2.7 inches)
 sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
 small sensor (1/2.3")
42
 fairly wide (24mm)
 nice screen size (3 inches)
 image stabilization (Optical)
 good megapixels (14 megapixels)
 no manual focus
 fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
 slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
 sensor  is small (1/2.3")
 has no RAW format
 low battery power (260 per charge)
 doesn't have Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison
Olympus SP-590 UZ Vlogging advice
Panasonic ZS20 Vlogging advice
24
 pretty wide (26mm)
 built in image stabilization (Optical)
 somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
 doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
 video res low (640 x 480 resolution)
 doesn't have external mic socket
34
 fairly wide (24mm)
 touch screen
 image stabilization (Optical)
 great video quality (1920 x 1080 pxls)
 lighter than average in class (206g)
 slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
 display isn't selfie friendly
 doesn't have microphone support
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Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS20 Specifications

		

		

					

		
		

			Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic ZS20
 Olympus SP-590 UZPanasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
General Information
Brand Olympus Panasonic
Model Olympus SP-590 UZ Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
Otherwise known as - Lumix DMC-TZ30
Class Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Superzoom
Introduced 2009-01-07 2012-04-26
Physical type SLR-like (bridge) Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixel 14 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter    
Aspect ratio - 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and  16:9
Highest resolution 3968 x 2976 4320 x 3240
Highest native ISO 6400 6400
Minimum native ISO 64 100
RAW data    
Autofocusing
Manual focus    
Touch to focus    
Continuous AF    
Single AF    
Tracking AF    
Selective AF    
AF center weighted    
AF multi area    
AF live view    
Face detect focusing    
Contract detect focusing    
Phase detect focusing    
Number of focus points - 23
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 26-676mm (26.0x) 24-480mm (20.0x)
Max aperture f/2.8-5.0 f/3.3-6.4
Macro focus range 1cm 3cm
Crop factor 5.9 5.9
Screen
Type of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 2.7" 3"
Resolution of display 230k dots 460k dots
Selfie friendly    
Liveview    
Touch functionality    
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 15 secs 15 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/2000 secs
Continuous shooting rate 6.0fps 10.0fps
Shutter priority    
Aperture priority    
Manually set exposure    
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB    
Image stabilization    
Built-in flash    
Flash range 8.00 m 6.40 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
External flash    
Auto exposure bracketing    
White balance bracketing    
Exposure
Multisegment metering    
Average metering    
Spot metering    
Partial metering    
AF area metering    
Center weighted metering    
Video features
Supported video resolutions 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (220 fps)
Highest video resolution 640x480 1920x1080
Video file format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone support    
Headphone support    
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth    
NFC    
HDMI    
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None BuiltIn
Physical
Environment sealing    
Water proof    
Dust proof    
Shock proof    
Crush proof    
Freeze proof    
Weight 413g (0.91 lb) 206g (0.45 lb)
Dimensions 116 x 84 x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") 105 x 59 x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 260 shots
Battery style - Battery Pack
Self timer Yes (12 or 2 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording    
Storage type xD Picture Card, microSD Card, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots 1 1
Retail pricing $249 $349