Olympus 5010 vs Panasonic ZS1

Lets look more closely at the Olympus 5010 versus Panasonic ZS1, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the 5010 (14MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the 5010 (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The 5010 was manufactured 8 months later than the ZS1 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus 5010 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the 5010 grades against the ZS1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 5010 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus 5010 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and size. The Olympus 5010 has physical dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Olympus 5010 versus Panasonic ZS1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the 5010 versus the ZS1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 5010 and ZS1 is 96 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizing simply by researching specifications. The graphic below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the 5010 and ZS1.

Plainly, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 5010 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus 5010 will result in greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern 5010 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.