Olympus 1 vs Panasonic ZS1

Lets look more closely at the Olympus 1 and Panasonic ZS1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is very similar but the 1 (1/1.7") and ZS1 (1/2.5") offer different sensor size.

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The 1 was manufactured 4 years after the ZS1 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the 1 scores against the ZS1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus 1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 1 comes with external measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") and a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS1 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Olympus 1 and Panasonic ZS1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the 1 and the ZS1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 and ZS1 is 79 and 91 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizes just by reviewing specs. The image below will help give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 and ZS1.

All in all, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 1 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus 1 will offer you more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The younger 1 should have an advantage in sensor tech.