Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic ZS7

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus 550WP versus Panasonic ZS7, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 550WP (10MP) and the ZS7 (12MP) is fairly comparable and both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The 550WP was brought out 3 years prior to the ZS7 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the 550WP matches up vs the ZS7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 550WP and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus 550WP Gallery and Panasonic ZS7 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 550WP provides exterior 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) and the Panasonic ZS7 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

Check the Olympus 550WP versus Panasonic ZS7 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the 550WP compared to the ZS7.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the 550WP and ZS7 is 94 and 91 respectively.

Usually, its tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements simply by going through technical specs. The graphic here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the 550WP and ZS7.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size but different MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS7 to show greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics way more aggressively. The older 550WP will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.