Olympus SZ-10 vs Panasonic Lumix S1R: A Deep Dive for Discerning Photographers

If you landed here hoping for a straightforward vs comparison of two wildly different cameras - a compact superzoom from 2011 and a pro-level mirrorless beast from 2019 - you're in for an unusual but rewarding deep dive. Having personally put thousands of cameras through their paces, I’m here to guide you through not just dry specs, but real-world performance and practical usability. Whether you’re a cheapskate craving a pocketable travel buddy or a pixel peeper hunting for uncompromising pro quality, understanding these two extremes side-by-side will give you sharper direction.

Let’s start by laying out the two contenders:

• Olympus SZ-10: A compact, fixed-lens superzoom bridge camera with a modest 14MP CCD sensor, 18x zoom, and simple controls.
• Panasonic Lumix S1R: A 47MP full-frame mirrorless powerhouse boasting advanced autofocus, 5-axis IBIS, and extensive video and connectivity features.

Here’s my comprehensive breakdown organized by key photographic disciplines and technical prowess, peppered with hands-on insights I’ve gathered over the years.

Size and Handling: Pocket-Sized Convenience vs. Club for Thumbs Ergonomics

Right off the bat, the Olympus SZ-10’s ultra-compact dimensions (106x67x38 mm) and light 215g weight make it an absolute delight for portability. It practically vanishes in a jacket pocket or purse, perfect for those spontaneous street or travel snapshots without bulky gear getting in the way.

In contrast, the Panasonic S1R is a hefty beast at over 1 kilogram (1020g) and sporting a substantial grip, spanning 149x110x97 mm. It feels like it could double as a medieval club for clubbing - if you’re lugging it around all day, better have the stamina. But that solid chunk of magnesium alloy and the SLR-style design, complete with button clusters for quick parameter tweaks, screams “pro-grade tool” and sits well in large hands for sustained shoots.

The top plate shows the SZ-10’s minimalist layout with basic dials and almost no physical manual control - a blessing for casual shooters but a stale playground for enthusiasts. The Panasonic, meanwhile, offers copious customizable dials and a small top screen giving quick readouts, enabling photographers to bumble less and shoot more swiftly.

Bottom line: If pocketability and simple snapshot shooting is your game, Olympus wins hands down. For serious handling that facilitates rigorous control, the S1R demands your attention and commitment.

Sensor and Image Quality: Microchip Battles – CCD Compact vs. Full-Frame CMOS Mammoth

This one’s no contest: the Olympus SZ-10 uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.17x4.55 mm with 14 megapixels. In contrast, the Panasonic S1R packs a colossal full-frame 36x24 mm CMOS sensor boasting 47MP. The sensor area difference (around 28 mm² vs 864 mm²) is a yawning chasm that impacts everything from depth of field to low-light sensitivity.

From my lab tests and field use, the SZ-10’s sensor struggles with noise at ISOs beyond 400, due to the older CCD technology and compact size. The dynamic range is narrow, and fine detail rendering is limited. Its JPG-only output and absence of RAW limit post-processing creativity.

The S1R shines here: with top-tier color depth (26.4 bits), dynamic range around 14 stops, and a whopping low-light ISO score near 3500 (from DXO Mark data extrapolated in practice), it delivers stunning image quality with clean shadows and bright highlights. The absence of an anti-aliasing filter ensures images are razor-sharp, albeit occasionally risking moiré in fine patterns (manageable with software).

For panoramic landscapes or studio portraits requiring fine detail and editing latitude, the S1R’s sensor and file quality are unmatched. The SZ-10 is better suited for casual shots where you value reach and simplicity over pixel peeping.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: From Casual Point-and-Shoot to Professional Tracking

The Olympus SZ-10 relies on contrast-detection autofocus with a modest number of focus areas and face detection. Unfortunately, autofocus is sluggish (roughly 1 frame per second continuous shooting) and less reliable in low light or moving subjects. No phase-detect AF here, and no manual focus capability.

The Panasonic S1R doubles down with 225 focus points using hybrid autofocus - although technically it lacks phase detection on sensor, it compensates with rapid contrast-detection algorithms and on-chip focus pixels to deliver snappy and accurate focus lock, including face and eye detection. It supports single AF, continuous AF, touch-focus, and selective AF modes, along with focus bracketing and stacking - a boon for macro and landscape shooters.

Burst mode tops out at 9 fps with autofocus tracking, suitable for sports and wildlife, although not blazingly fast compared to some rivals. But the autofocus precision and predictive tracking are more critical for professional needs.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, Eye Detection – Quality vs Convenience

Portraits on the SZ-10 are serviceable but unimpressive. The limited max aperture of f/3.1 to f/4.4 and small sensor size make shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh difficult to achieve. Face detection helps to some degree, but lack of eye autofocus means less precision, especially with moving models.

In contrast, the S1R’s 47MP sensor coupled with high-quality Leica L-mount lenses (with many primes offering f/1.4 to f/2.8 apertures) results in buttery smooth bokeh and razor-sharp eyes, aided by sophisticated eye-detection AF algorithms. Subtle skin tone rendition benefits from a wider color gamut and higher bit depth, preserving natural complexion hues and subtle contrast.

If portraiture is your zone, the Panasonic S1R feels like a tailored suit, whereas the SZ-10 is more of an off-the-rack casual shirt.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, Weather Sealing

Landscape photographers will immediately notice the vast resolution gap. The S1R’s 47MP sensor captures breathtaking detail, allowing for large prints and heavy cropping without loss of quality. The SZ-10’s 14MP sensor suffices for online sharing and standard prints but cannot match the Panasonic’s grandeur.

Dynamic range also differs massively: the S1R’s ability to hold detail in skies and shadows means fewer exposes-to-the-right hacks or HDR post-processing. The SZ-10’s limited dynamic range often leads to blown highlights or muddy shadows in tricky scenes, especially with backlighting.

A significant practical difference is weather sealing: the S1R is partially weather-sealed (dust and splash resistant), making it more reliable outdoors in variable conditions. The SZ-10 lacks these protections, requiring more care when shooting in challenging environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Reach, Burst Rate

If fast autofocus and telephotos define your needs, these two cameras couldn’t be more different.

The SZ-10 offers an 18x zoom (28-504mm equivalent) but lacks speed or accuracy in autofocus, making shots of wild birds or sports players feel like a lottery. Burst rate at just 1 fps ensures you miss most decisive moments.

The S1R, while not the fastest burst shooter on the market, features sharp tracking autofocus, a native Leica L mount compatible with excellent telephoto primes and zooms, and 9 fps burst with AF-C, adequate for many wildlife and sports scenarios - though ultimate speed freaks might prefer specialized cameras.

Street Photography: Discreteness, Low Light, Portability

Street shooters prize stealth and quick reaction time. The Olympus SZ-10’s pocketable size and quiet operation make it nimble for candid shots, especially in well-lit environments. However, low-light performance suffers from sensor noise and slow focusing.

The Panasonic S1R, while bulkier, provides a brighter EVF for flawless framing in low light, excellent high ISO performance, and customizable controls for stealthy, quick adjustments. But lugging the S1R all day places a physical burden and risks drawing unwanted attention.

Macro Photography: Magnification, Focusing Precision, Stabilization

For snapping tiny bugs or flowers, the SZ-10’s macro focus as close as 1cm is adequate for casual shooters but struggles with fine focus precision and background separation.

The S1R’s autofocus precision, combined with focus bracketing and stacking (built into its firmware), paired with stabilization and exquisite sharpness, empowers close-up work that demands pixel-level perfection - ideal for product photographers or nature macro professionals.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO Performance and Exposure Modes

In dim environments, the SZ-10’s maximum ISO 1600 settings produce substantial noise and loss of detail, limiting usefulness to snapshots. No manual exposure modes mean tricks like bulb shooting for star trails are impossible.

The Panasonic S1R excels with a native ISO range up to 25600 (expandable to 51200), clean high ISO files, and fully manual exposure with shutter speeds to 60 seconds. Combined with its excellent in-body stabilization and custom intervalometer for timelapses, it’s a robust astro shooter.

Video Capabilities: Specs, Stabilization, and Audio

The SZ-10 offers basic HD video at 1280x720 30fps max, recorded in Motion JPEG format - old-school and inefficient by today’s standards - with no external mic input. Stabilization helps, but video enthusiasts will find the results limiting.

Panasonic’s S1R supports 4K UHD at 60p with 10-bit color and professional codecs (MOV, H.264), full-frame readout, 5-axis IBIS, plus microphone and headphone ports for serious audio control. It offers 4K photo functions and is suitable for demanding content creators.

Travel and Everyday Use: Versatility, Battery Life, and Wireless Features

The Olympus SZ-10 boasts eye-Fi wireless card compatibility, letting you transfer photos conveniently - a breakthrough for its era. Battery life is modest at 220 shots per charge, reflecting the limits of compact batteries.

The Panasonic S1R has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and durable dual SD card slots for capacity and backup. Its battery life of 360 shots per charge is solid given its pro features, plus USB-C charging with external power banks adds flexibility on the go.

Professional Workflows: Reliability, File Support, and Post-Processing

Professionals demand durability and flexibility. The Panasonic S1R supports RAW files (including compressed RAW options), tethered shooting, focus bracketing, and extensive customization, integrating seamlessly with Lightroom, Capture One, and other workflows.

The SZ-10’s JPG-only output and simpler controls limit its role to casual photography or as a lightweight backup device.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Lifespan in Tough Conditions

The S1R’s magnesium alloy body and weather sealing offer ruggedness for pro assignments in rain and dust - an essential perk for fieldwork. The plastic, unsealed SZ-10 demands more delicate treatment and is better suited for indoor or controlled environments.

Price to Performance: Value Judgements for Your Dollar

At the time of writing, the Olympus SZ-10 hovers around $300, an entry-level compact superzoom priced for casual shooters and beginners. The Panasonic S1R commands roughly $3700, firmly in professional territory.

Given the vast gulf in technology and capabilities, it’s vital to match your budget and ambition. The SZ-10 can capture memories with simplicity and reach, but the S1R is built for uncompromising quality and longevity.

Sample Gallery: Real-World Images Comparison

Olympus SZ 10 front Olympus SZ 10 screen back Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back

Comparing raw outputs side-by-side, the Olympus images display moderate sharpness and noise at higher ISO, with relatively flat dynamic range. Colors are punchy but sometimes oversaturated.

Panasonic’s files explode with detail, tone nuance, and have a refined color profile. Shadows preserve texture, and highlights hardly clip, an absolute joy for editors.

Performance Scores and Specialized Use Cases

Industry benchmark scores (like DXO Mark) confirm the Panasonic S1R’s elite status in color depth, dynamic range, and low-light. The SZ-10 remains untested in these rankings due to its niche and dated sensor.

To Sum It Up: Which Camera Wins for You?

Olympus SZ-10

Pros:

• Ultra-compact and extremely portable
• Impressive 18x zoom reach for its class
• Sensor-shift stabilization helps at long telephoto
• Affordable, perfect as a budget travel or casual family camera

Cons:

• Small, dated sensor with limited image quality
• No RAW support or manual controls
• Slow autofocus and continuous shooting rates
• Minimal video features and basic connectivity

Panasonic Lumix S1R

Pros:

• Gigantic 47MP full-frame sensor with stellar image quality
• Advanced autofocus with face/eye detection and tracking
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization
• Weather-sealed pro build quality
• Excellent video specs and professional workflow support
• Versatile lens ecosystem around Leica L mount
• Dual card slots and modern wireless features

Cons:

• Large, heavy, and less discreet
• High price tag with lenses adding more to cost
• Burst speed adequate but not outstanding for extreme sports

Final Recommendations

If your photography is about convenience, budget, and casual shooting - snapshots on family outings, hiking trips, or street strolls - the Olympus SZ-10 is a modest but fun companion. It will handle daylight scenes and zoom needs reasonably well without intimidating menus or financial commitments.

For those seriously invested in production-quality photography - whether landscapes, portraits, macro, or multimedia storytelling - the Panasonic S1R delivers uncompromising performance, exceptional image quality, and future-proof versatility. It’s an investment that pays off with superior results and confidence in challenging environments.

Choosing between these two is really a reflection on your shooting ambition, lifestyle, and budget. I hope this down-to-earth comparison helps clear your path.

Happy shooting!

• Your friendly camera gear vet with over 15 years of hands-on testing experience