Olympus 1s vs Panasonic ZS5

Below is a extended comparison of the Olympus 1s versus Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 1s (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the 1s (1/1.7") and ZS5 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The 1s was introduced 4 years later than the ZS5 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the 1s matches up versus the ZS5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus 1s Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus 1s provides exterior measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") having a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS5 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus 1s versus Panasonic ZS5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the 1s and the ZS5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1s and ZS5 is 79 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through specifications. The graphic underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the 1s and ZS5.

To sum up, each of the cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The 1s offers the larger sensor which is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult. The more recent 1s will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.