Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic ZS50

In this article, we are reviewing the Olympus 550WP and Panasonic ZS50, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 550WP (10MP) and the ZS50 (12MP) is fairly comparable and they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The 550WP was released 7 years prior to the ZS50 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the 550WP scores against the ZS50 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 550WP and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus 550WP Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus 550WP offers physical measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS50 has sizing of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus 550WP and Panasonic ZS50 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the 550WP against the ZS50.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the 550WP and ZS50 is 94 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing merely by going through technical specs. The photograph here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the 550WP and ZS50.

As you have seen, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS50 to produce greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images far more aggressively. The older 550WP will be behind in sensor technology.