Olympus 1 vs Panasonic SZ5

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus 1 and Panasonic SZ5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is relatively close but the 1 (1/1.7") and SZ5 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

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The 1 was manufactured 17 months later than the SZ5 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the 1 scores vs the SZ5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus 1 Gallery & Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 1 enjoys outer measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") having a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Look at the Olympus 1 and Panasonic SZ5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the 1 and the SZ5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 and SZ5 is 79 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by looking through specifications. The photograph below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 and SZ5.

Plainly, the two cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic SZ5 will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more recent 1 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.