Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic FZ100

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus 550WP versus Panasonic FZ100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the 550WP (10MP) and FZ100 (14MP) but they possess the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The 550WP was introduced 18 months earlier than the FZ100 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the 550WP scores versus the FZ100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 550WP and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus 550WP Gallery and Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus 550WP has got outside dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ100 has sizing of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Check out the Olympus 550WP versus Panasonic FZ100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the 550WP versus the FZ100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 550WP and FZ100 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements only by viewing specs. The graphic here will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the 550WP and FZ100.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Panasonic FZ100 to result in more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The older 550WP will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.