Olympus 5010 vs Panasonic XS1

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus 5010 and Panasonic XS1, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 5010 (14MP) and the XS1 (16MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras have the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The 5010 was launched 4 years prior to the XS1 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus 5010 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the 5010 grades vs the XS1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 5010 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus 5010 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus 5010 features physical measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Panasonic XS1 has measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Check out the Olympus 5010 and Panasonic XS1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the 5010 versus the XS1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the 5010 and XS1 is 96 and 97 respectively.

Generally, its tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing simply by checking technical specs. The graphic underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the 5010 and XS1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Panasonic XS1 to give you greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older 5010 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.