Olympus 1s vs Panasonic TS6

In this article, we are evaluating the Olympus 1s and Panasonic TS6, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the 1s (12MP) and TS6 (16MP) and the 1s (1/1.7") and TS6 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The 1s was introduced 4 months later than the TS6 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic TS6 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the 1s grades against the TS6 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS6. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 1s Gallery and Panasonic TS6 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 1s has 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 Panasonic TS6 has dimensions of 110mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Examine the Olympus 1s and Panasonic TS6 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the 1s against the TS6.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the 1s and TS6 is 79 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing purely by going through specifications. The graphic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1s and TS6.

Plainly, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 1s using its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic TS6 will show more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a little more aggressively.