Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS50

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS50, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the ZS50 (12MP) is fairly similar and both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SP-590 UZ was brought out 7 years earlier than the ZS50 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a simple summation of how the SP-590 UZ matches up against the ZS50 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-590 UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery & Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-590 UZ features outer dimensions 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 ZS50 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS50 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the SP-590 UZ vs the ZS50.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-590 UZ and ZS50 is 72 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over specs. The visual underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-590 UZ and ZS50.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the identical MP so you can expect similar quality of images however you should always consider the launch date of the products into consideration. The older SP-590 UZ is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.