Olympus 1 vs Panasonic ZS15

Lets look more in depth at the Olympus 1 vs Panasonic ZS15, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is fairly close but the 1 (1/1.7") and ZS15 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

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The 1 was launched 18 months after the ZS15 making them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a thorough comparison, here is a concise overview of how the 1 matches up against the ZS15 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The complete galleries are available at Olympus 1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus 1 offers exterior measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS15 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

See the Olympus 1 vs Panasonic ZS15 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the 1 and the ZS15.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the 1 and ZS15 is 79 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions just by looking through technical specs. The pic below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 and ZS15.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature the identical resolution but not the same sensor dimensions. The 1 features the larger sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF less difficult. The younger 1 will have a benefit in sensor tech.