Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic Lumix S1R: A Hands-On Battle of Two Worlds in Photography

Photography gear has evolved in leaps and bounds over the last decade, with cameras spanning the spectrum from ultra-compact models to heavyweight professional mirrorless beasts. Today, I’m diving deep into a head-to-head comparison between two drastically different cameras released a decade apart - the Olympus Stylus 550WP (a small-sensor compact from 2009) and the Panasonic Lumix S1R (a cutting-edge full-frame pro mirrorless from 2019).

At first glance, pitting a 10-year-old entry-level compact against a high-res, full-frame flagship might seem unfair - and in many ways, it absolutely is. But it’s exactly this contrast that reveals how diverse photography tools have become, and how your shooting needs and priorities define the “best” camera choice.

Having spent over 15 years testing thousands of cameras (from rugged point-and-shoots to studio beasts), I’m uniquely poised to guide you through this fascinating comparison. Let’s unpack their key differences, real-world usability, image quality, and ultimately help you decide which camera suits your photographic journey - whether you’re a casual snapshooter, a serious enthusiast, or a pro.

Getting a Grip: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Handling a camera day in and day out reveals subtleties that spec sheets can’t. First, take a look at the physical size differences.

The Olympus 550WP is the quintessential pocket-friendly compact: slim, light (167g), and unobtrusive. With dimensions of 94x62x22mm, it slips into your pocket effortlessly, making it an ideal companion for casual travel or quick snapshots. Its compactness brings discreetness to street photography and everyday moments.

By contrast, the Panasonic S1R is a robust, SLR-style mirrorless weighing in at over 1kg (1020g) and measuring 149x110x97mm. It boasts a substantial, rubber-grip body designed for extended sessions with professional lenses. The fully weather-sealed magnesium alloy chassis - while not freezeproof or fully waterproof - holds up well in challenging conditions.

Comparing their control layouts from above reveals their differing intentions.

The Olympus features minimalist controls - almost no manual exposure modes, no manual focus ring, and a fixed lens - so it’s all about simplicity. The Panasonic S1R, on the other hand, offers every control a professional can ask for: dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation, programmable buttons, and an external flash shoe.

For users like me who crave precise manual control or quick access to settings during shoots, the S1R’s layout wins hands-down. But the Olympus’s no-fuss ergonomics come through for beginners or those craving convenience.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

This is where these cameras couldn't be more different, and it largely defines their usability and output quality.

The Olympus 550WP employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.08x4.56mm) with a 10-megapixel resolution. While CCD sensors were the norm in 2009 compacts, they inherently struggle in low light due to smaller pixel sizes and a limited dynamic range. Maximum ISO tops out at 1600 with no raw capture - JPEG only. The sensor and processor combination is designed for snapshots under good lighting conditions.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic S1R features a full-frame (36x24mm) CMOS sensor delivering a staggering 47 megapixels without an optical low-pass filter. The large sensor area (864mm²) yields exceptional detail, color fidelity, and an expansive dynamic range capable of capturing delicate highlight and shadow detail even in challenging lighting. The native ISO range extends from 100 to 25600, with boost modes going even higher, supported by advanced noise reduction and sensor-based 5-axis stabilization.

To put it simply: the S1R’s sensor outclasses the 550WP’s in every meaningful metric - from color depth to ISO performance to raw file support (essential for professional workflows).

Composing the Shot: LCDs, Viewfinders, and Interface

The interface plays a vital role in your shooting comfort and accuracy.

Olympus’s 2.5-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots offers limited resolution and no touchscreen functionality, making menu navigation and image review somewhat constrained. The absence of any kind of electronic viewfinder means shooting in bright daylight often requires you to shield the screen with your hand - a minor annoyance common with compacts of that era.

The Panasonic S1R sports a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with 2.1 million dots, enabling precise composition at various angles. Moreover, its high-resolution electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) provides a real-time, bright, and detailed preview with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification. This EVF substantially improves framing accuracy and balancing exposure before taking the shot - a professional’s dream.

For anyone serious about composition or shooting in bright outdoor conditions, the S1R’s interface and EVF elevate the experience far beyond the 550WP’s offerings.

Focusing in the Wild: Autofocus Capabilities Compared

Failures in autofocus can ruin critical moments, so autofocus systems require close examination.

The Olympus 550WP offers basic contrast-detection autofocus with a single center AF point and no face or eye detection. There is no continuous or tracking AF - just a single-shot focus. Manual focus is absent too.

At best, this system suffices for casual snapshots under decent light but struggles with moving subjects or complex compositions. Wildlife, sports, or macro shooters will quickly outgrow it.

Now, the Panasonic S1R shines in this domain, equipped with 225 AF points utilizing contrast detection enhanced by deep learning algorithms and face/eye detection for humans. It supports continuous autofocus with tracking (essential for sports and wildlife), as well as selective AF modes and manual focus with focus peaking.

My hands-on testing shows the S1R locking focus rapidly even in low light or on erratic wildlife movement. This makes it ideal for action, portraiture, and macro photography where precision matters.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Fixed vs. Interchangeable

One thing the Olympus 550WP does offer is its fixed 38-114mm (35mm equivalent approx.) zoom lens with a maximum aperture ranging from f/3.5 to f/5.0. It’s versatile for everyday shooting but doesn’t excel in reach or low-light brightness. The macro focus distance at 7cm is decent for casual close-ups, but no stabilization besides digital IS is present.

Shooting with a fixed lens lets you travel light and worry less about gear, but also means you’re limited. Wide-angle shots beyond 38mm equivalent are not possible, and the relatively slow aperture limits bokeh control and low-light capability.

The Panasonic S1R’s Leica L-mount offers compatibility with over 30 native lenses covering macro, ultra-wide, telephoto, tilt-shift, and fast-aperture primes. From shooting grand landscapes to intimate portraits or distant wildlife, this system adapts through high-quality optics and image stabilization.

If you have a macro fetish, the S1R’s focus bracketing and focus stacking (manual or automatic) features provide razor-sharp results unattainable by the compact Olympus.

Shooting Speed, Burst Rates, and Recovery

Do you shoot fast-paced action or sports? Then frame rates and buffer speed are vital.

The Olympus 550WP doesn’t list any continuous shooting or burst mode specifications - it simply lacks this feature. This reflects the camera’s intended casual use case: one shot at a time.

The Panasonic S1R delivers a respectable 9 fps continuous burst using mechanical shutter and silent shooting at up to 10 fps with electronic shutter. Its dual UHS-II SD card slots provide fast write speeds to buffer quickly and avoid stutters.

For sports photographers or wildlife enthusiasts who need to capture fleeting movements, the S1R’s performance makes a huge difference.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Ready for Challenges?

Despite being a compact, the Olympus 550WP has some environmental sealing claims but is neither waterproof nor shockproof or crushproof. It can handle light dust or splash but is not designed for rugged conditions.

The Panasonic S1R boasts thorough weather sealing against dust and splashes, making it suitable for fieldwork even in adverse weather - though, alas, not immersion. The heavier magnesium alloy body is built to endure professional usage over long shoots.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is surprisingly good for a compact camera but details on the Olympus battery model or capacity are scarce. Storage supports xD-Picture Cards and microSD, which have slower speeds and smaller capacities by today’s standards.

The Panasonic S1R offers 360 shots per charge (CIPA standard), typical for a mirrorless with EVF use. With dual SD card slots, you can shoot longer and have instant backups. USB charging support adds versatility for travel.

Video Capabilities

Neither camera is a video powerhouse, but let’s be clear on differences.

The Olympus 550WP maxes out at 640x480 VGA resolution at 30 fps, recorded in Motion JPEG format - a limitation for modern video creators.

The S1R supports true 4K UHD at 60p with high bitrates (150 Mbps) in H.264, including audio via microphone and headphone ports for monitoring - a significant leap for hybrid shooters.

Real-World Samples and Image Quality in Practice

Seeing side-by-side photos illustrates these theoretical differences far better than words alone.

Olympus 550WP front Olympus 550WP screen back Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back

Here you can observe how the Panasonic S1R’s 47 MP sensor renders vastly more detail, deeper tonal gradations in shadows, rich colors, and superior low-light handling versus the Olympus 550WP’s smaller sensor with muted dynamic range and softer detail.

Portraits from the S1R show creamy, smooth bokeh with accurate skin tones aided by face-detection AF, while Olympus portraits appear flatter and can struggle with background separation.

How Do They Score? Summary Ratings

Taking into account all tested metrics, here is an aggregate performance rating comparison.

The Panasonic S1R scores near the top tier on professional scales for image quality, autofocus, and dynamic range. The Olympus 550WP scores well in portability and simplicity but falls behind in core optical and technical specs expected for today’s world.

Genre-Specific Performance: What Works Best for Which Type of Photography?

Different photographers have different needs. This chart summarizes how these cameras fare across disciplines.

• Portraiture: Panasonic S1R dominates with eye/face AF and wide-aperture lens options. Olympus is acceptable for casual portraits.

• Landscape: S1R’s dynamic range and resolution deliver breathtaking landscapes; Olympus lack of wide angle and detail leaves it behind.

• Wildlife: S1R’s autofocus tracking and tele zooms make it viable; Olympus camera too limited.

• Sports: S1R’s continuous AF and burst rate outshine static Olympus.

• Street: Olympus’s compactness is appealing with discretion; S1R is bulkier but superior for serious documentary.

• Macro: S1R’s focus stacking tech excels; Olympus limited.

• Night/Astro: S1R handles high ISO and long exposures; Olympus struggles.

• Video: Panasonic’s 4K blows away Olympus’s VGA.

• Travel: Olympus wins for size and ease; S1R requires planning.

• Professional Work: Only S1R fits professional workflow needs.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, which camera should you consider?

Buy the Olympus Stylus 550WP if:

• You want a truly pocketable, simple camera for casual snapshots.
• Durability and splash resistance in a compact form factor matter.
• You prioritize ease of use over manual controls or image quality.
• Your budget is limited (~$400 new, or less for used).

This camera is perfect for beginners, travelers looking to go light, or underwater/splash-prone scenarios where a compact but rugged camera suffices.

Invest in the Panasonic Lumix S1R if:

• You’re a professional or enthusiast seeking premium image quality and full manual control.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, or hybrid genres.
• Raw output, high ISO, and 4K video are essentials in your workflow.
• You want customizable controls, a high-res EVF, dual card slots, and weather sealing.
• You can handle the bigger size, weight, and substantial investment (~$3700 body only).

The S1R delivers exceptional performance that can elevate your photography career or serious hobby.

Photography is about capturing moments and expressing your vision. The Olympus 550WP and Panasonic S1R represent different eras and philosophies - simplicity and convenience versus professional power and flexibility. Choose wisely to match your needs, but know that with the S1R, you’re equipping yourself for excellence, while the 550WP promises a no-hassle, pocketable companion for life’s spontaneous memories.

Hope this detailed comparison helps you find your perfect match. Happy shooting!

For further insights, I regularly post in-depth reviews and sample galleries on my site - drop me a note if you want sample RAW files or shooting tips tailored to either model!