Olympus 1s vs Olympus 550WP

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus 1s and Olympus 550WP, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are manufactured by Olympus. The image resolution of the 1s (12MP) and the 550WP (10MP) is pretty well matched but the 1s (1/1.7") and 550WP (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The 1s was launched 6 years after the 550WP which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the 1s matches up versus the 550WP in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 1s and Olympus Stylus 550WP. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus 1s Gallery and Olympus 550WP Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus 1s features physical dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") and a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Olympus 550WP has specifications of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus 1s and Olympus 550WP in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the 1s against the 550WP.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the 1s and 550WP is 79 and 94 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes simply by checking technical specs. The picture underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1s and 550WP.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 1s because of its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Olympus 1s will give you more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The younger 1s is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.