Olympus 7010 vs Panasonic S1H: A Tale of Two Cameras at Polar Ends of the Spectrum

Over my 15+ years in photography gear testing, I’ve held everything from tiny compacts to beastly full-frame monsters. The Olympus Stylus 7010 and the Panasonic Lumix S1H couldn’t be more different from each other - and that’s exactly why a side-by-side comparison is both fascinating and useful. One’s a petite point-and-shoot from 2009, designed for simple snapshots and portability. The other is a 2019 pro-level full-frame mirrorless video machine, packed with cutting-edge tech and boldly aiming at filmmakers and serious photographers alike.

So, how do these two cameras stack up? Spoiler: if you want to shoot studio portraits under controlled light or wild sports events, they’re worlds apart. But both have their charm and practical use cases. Let’s go deep and figure out which one might be your perfect match - whether you’re a casual snapper, an enthusiast, or a video professional.

Size, Feel, and Handling: One Fits in Your Palm, The Other Demands a Grip

Starting with physical presence, the Olympus 7010 is what I’d call a “grab-and-go” wand. Measuring a mere 98 x 56 x 26 mm and tipping the scales at 145 g, it slips easily into a jacket pocket or purse. In contrast, the Panasonic S1H is firmly in the “this is a serious tool” category, boasting dimensions of 151 x 114 x 110 mm and a heft of just over 1 kg (1052 g). That’s a camera that demands a strap - or at least a healthy level of commitment to endurance shooting.

Holding them side by side, you almost feel the Olympus is whispering “let’s hit the street,” while the Panasonic growls “let me mount that professional cine lens.” Ergonomically, the S1H’s SLR-style grip and sprawling controls offer precision and comfort during extended shoots. The 7010’s tiny, streamlined body - with its limited buttons - sacrifices manual control for absolute portability.

I found the Olympus’s fixed lens and basic control set straightforward and quick to operate, perfect for casual outings or travel where size and simplicity matter. The Panasonic, with its extensive buttons (some illuminated for night use) and joystick controls, feels like a cockpit for serious shooters who want to tweak everything on the fly. Neither camera has “one size fits all” ergonomics; your comfort depends heavily on purpose.

Design and Control Layout: Minimalist Charm vs. Pro-Grade Command Center

Looking down at the top decks, there’s an obvious gulf in ambition and complexity between these two cameras.

The Olympus 7010 opts for minimalism, with a few buttons and a mode dial that prioritizes ease over customization. No dedicated dials for shutter speed or aperture here - this camera beckons you to shoot in auto or basic exposure modes. The small 2.7-inch fixed screen (230k dots) feels quaint in today’s LCD world but gets the job done for quick review.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic S1H’s top plate is bristling with controls: dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation, and even a top LCD display that shows vital info at a glance. Speaking from practical experience, this facilitates rapid adjustments in fast-paced shooting - sports, weddings, or complex video workflows. The fully articulated 3.2-inch touchscreen with a staggering 2.33 million dots on the S1H lets you navigate menus and focus with ease, much more responsive and flexible than the Olympus’s fixed, lower-res screen.

Several times, while handling the S1H, I appreciated illuminated buttons in dim settings, a small detail that can make late-night shooting less frustrating.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Alright, here’s where the cameras diverge dramatically - sensor specs and real-world image fidelity.

The Olympus 7010 houses a compact 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring just 6.08 x 4.56 mm, offering 12 megapixels. Thanks to its small sensor and 5.9x crop factor relative to full-frame, its light-gathering ability and dynamic range are quite limited. This combo is typical for budget compact cameras circa 2009, prioritizing size over high-fidelity image output.

Compare that to the Panasonic S1H’s full-frame 35.6 x 23.8 mm 24MP CMOS sensor - the same basic sensor size embraced by many industry pros. With this sensor, you get dramatically better image quality: wider dynamic range, better low-light performance (native ISO 100–51200, boost up to 204800 for emergencies), richer colors, and more forgiving highlight/shadow retention. Yes, the increased resolution and sensor size contribute to stellar detail rendition and smoother tonal gradations.

Based on extensive lab and field testing, the S1H’s sensor delivers clean images even under challenging lighting, whereas the Olympus struggles with noise beyond ISO 400 and exhibits the typical washed-out tone of older compacts in shadows. The Olympus’s built-in anti-aliasing filter, common for its generation, slightly softens details, while the S1H’s images are crisp and professional-grade.

Portrait Photography: From Quick Snapshots to Studio-Grade Headshots

If you lean into portraiture, here’s an important divide.

The Olympus 7010 - no access to interchangeable lenses - and its small sensor limit bokeh potential and depth of field control. Its 28-196mm equivalent lens spans a versatile zoom range but maxes out at f/3.0-5.9 aperture, which isn’t ideal for creamy backgrounds or low-light conditions. If you want natural-looking skin tones, expect fairly basic color science; the CCD sensor imparts a neutral but somewhat flat look requiring post-processing to shine.

On the autofocus front, the Olympus lacks face or eye detection AF, working with a simple contrast-detection system and no continuous tracking. This makes it competent for casual portraits but not conducive to fast-moving subjects or precision focusing. Additionally, it has no RAW support, so you’re limited to JPEG, which caps post-editing flexibility on skin detail and color correction.

Conversely, the Panasonic S1H shines in portraiture (both still and video). Its large sensor enables shallow depth of field and smooth subject isolation. Coupled with a vast ecosystem of top-tier Leica L-mount lenses (including stunning 85mm f/1.4 primes and fast zooms), the creative possibilities are expansive. The S1H sports a 225-point autofocus system, with real-time face and eye detection (including for humans), plus continuous AF tracking that is reliable for portraits in motion. Add to that support for RAW capture and meticulous custom white balance adjustments, and you’re equipped for exquisite, nuanced skin tone rendition.

In practice, I found the Panasonic particularly adept at locking precise focus on eyes, providing sharp, professional results right out of the camera - a massive time saver for portrait photographers.

Landscape Photography: From Weekend Walks to Pro-Level Detail

For landscape photographers, image quality, dynamic range, and weather-sealing become paramount.

With the Olympus 7010, you’re dealing with a sensor area of less than 28 mm² and a 12MP resolution that limits enlargement potential if you’re printing big. Its 28mm wide-angle setting on a compact might suffice for casual snapshots but lacks the detail and tonal latitude serious landscape shooters demand. Also, the camera is not weather-sealed or ruggedized, so using it in challenging outdoor conditions can be risky.

By contrast, the Panasonic S1H is ready for rugged shoots - with full weather sealing (dust and splash resistant), a robust magnesium alloy body, and a sensor area exceeding 847 mm². This translates to images with wide dynamic range, excellent shadow detail, and fine textures, especially when paired with wide-angle primes like the Panasonic Leica 16-35mm f/4.5 or the 24-105 f/4 zoom. The 24MP resolution and 14-bit RAW files provide ample headroom for heavy post-processing or large prints - think gallery-wall worthy quality.

An extra bonus for landscape shooters: the S1H supports focus bracketing and stacking, enabling ultra-sharp images with extended depth of field, which is a big plus for macro work and intricate landscape scenes.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Tracking in Vastly Different Packages

Speed, autofocus sophistication, and frame rates are key for wildlife and sports photographers - a domain where the two cameras could not be more different.

Unfortunately, the Olympus 7010 doesn’t offer continuous shooting - a major limitation for capturing fast action. Its autofocus is contrast-based only, no tracking or continuous AF servo modes, and lacks dedicated focus points. While it features a modest 7x zoom, the small sensor’s crop factor makes telephoto reach a bit misleading (effectively 165mm equivalent at the long end) - just about adequate for casual wildlife snaps but underwhelming for birding or more demanding subjects.

The Panasonic S1H, meanwhile, is a champion for action shooters. It can shoot up to 9 frames per second with continuous autofocus tracking and wide-area, eye-detect AF points. Its large sensor helps maintain image quality during rapid bursts, reducing noise at higher ISO settings often needed in wildlife or sports venues with less light. Additionally, the camera supports various exposure modes (including shutter priority and manual), enabling precise control during high-speed shooting.

The Panasonic’s compatibility with high-quality telephoto lenses (e.g., 70-200mm f/2.8, 100-400mm super-telephoto from Leica and Sigma) provides versatility - from close-up dancers on the court to elusive birds in flight.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion, Battery, and Versatility

Street photographers often prize discretion, lightweight gear, and dependable low-light performance.

The Olympus 7010’s compact form factor is ideal from a stealth standpoint - you could almost forget you’re carrying a camera. Its 28-196mm zoom covers wide to moderate telephoto, good for framing candid street shots at different distances. The built-in sensor-shift stabilization helps compensate for hand shake in low light, although image quality degrades quickly at ISO above 400 due to sensor limitations.

Battery life info for the Olympus 7010 is scarce, but compact point-and-shoots typically last a few hundred shots on a single charge - adequate for short day trips but not for marathon shooting.

On the flip side, the Panasonic S1H is huge and heavy - hardly an everyday street shooter. However, for travel photography where image quality and versatility matter most, the S1H excels. Its 400-shot battery life is solid for a full-frame mirrorless, and dual SD card slots enhance storage reliability during long excursions. The full articulated touchscreen is a boon for creative angles, and the built-in image stabilization ensures tack-sharp handheld shots even with slower shutter speeds.

If discretion is your cardinal rule, Olympus wins handily. But if travel photography means professional-grade capture and video versatility, the S1H is the tool for those ready to carry it.

Macro and Close-Up: Precision, Magnification, and Focus

Macro enthusiasts often look for close focusing distance, magnification, and stabilization features.

The Olympus 7010 allows close focus to 10 cm, which is quite respectable for a compact camera. Its sensor-shift stabilization aids in mitigating slight hand trembling during up-close shots. However, without manual focus or focus bracketing features, you might struggle achieving pixel-perfect sharpness in detailed macro subjects.

The Panasonic S1H supports advanced macro photography features including focus bracketing, focus stacking, and post-focus modes - a godsend for macro shooters seeking razor-sharp images with fully extended depth of field. Coupled with a suitable dedicated macro prime lens on the Leica L mount, and the 5-axis sensor stabilization, this system significantly raises the bar.

Night and Astrophotography: Noise Handling and Exposure Control

Night and astrophotography push cameras to their limits in low light and long exposures.

The Olympus 7010 maxes out at ISO 1600, which on such a small sensor tends to be noisy and blurry without a tripod or perfect conditions. It also lacks manual control over shutter speed beyond limited ranges, and no RAW capture means less room to recover image quality later.

By contrast, the Panasonic S1H boasts an impressive native ISO range 100 to 51200, and boosts up to 204800. Its full-frame sensor’s superior light-gathering translates to cleaner stars, richer night skies, and visible Milky Way detail with lower noise. The camera’s shutter speeds extend to 60 seconds and beyond, and with manual exposure modes, you get full creative control. Battery life and dual cards support longer shoots.

While neither camera sports official “astro modes,” the S1H’s flexibility makes it much more capable for night sky exploration and low-light landscapes.

Video Features: From Basic to Pro Cinematography Powerhouse

Video is another realm where the Panasonic S1H absolutely blows the Olympus 7010 out of the water.

The Olympus 7010 shoots video at 640x480 (VGA) resolution max at 30fps - more of a novelty feature than a serious video tool, with low detail and little to no stabilization assistance besides the sensor-shift still image component.

The Panasonic S1H was built with cinematographers in mind, delivering up to 6K (5952 x 3988) video at 23.98fps with 10-bit 4:2:2 H.265 encoding, supporting professional codecs and LOG profiles for color grading. It features in-body 5-axis stabilization, dual SD card slots for overflow or backup, microphone and headphone ports for high-quality sound monitoring, and a fully articulating touchscreen for vlogging or versatile framing.

In my experience shooting B-roll and short films with the S1H, its performance rivals dedicated cinema cameras - top-notch autofocus in video mode, clean high ISO, and excellent dynamic range make it a dream for filmmakers.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Pocket-Friendly vs. Pro-Tough

The Olympus 7010 is a neat, lightweight compact but no ruggedization. No weather sealing, waterproofing, shockproofing, or freeze resistance. Treat it gently and keep it dry, especially outdoors.

The Panasonic S1H, with its magnesium alloy frame, offers robust weather sealing against dust and moisture (splash resistant but not waterproof). This builds confidence in demanding environments - think rain-soaked events or dusty terrain.

Connectivity and Storage: From Basic to Modern Features

Connectivity-wise, the Olympus 7010’s options are limited to USB 2.0 and no wireless features. Storage is flexible between xD-Picture Card or microSD cards, but with only a single slot.

The Panasonic S1H, on the other hand, includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless transfer, smartphone remote control, and tethered shooting - essential for professional workflows. It features dual SD card slots supporting UHS-II standards for fast write speeds and backup reliability, vital for video and high-res stills.

Price and Value: Affordable Simplicity or Investment-Grade Performance?

Currently, the Olympus 7010 trades for around $200 new (or less used) - very affordable, aimed at beginners or casual shooters wanting a simple compact.

The Panasonic S1H, retailing near $4000 body-only, demands a significant investment - a price tag that turns heads but is justified by its near-cinema grade video and pro photography capabilities.

How They Score Overall: Numbers Don’t Lie (But Context Matters!)

As expected, the Panasonic S1H outperforms the Olympus 7010 by a wide margin in almost every measurable area: sensor quality, autofocus, video, and build. However, raw specs don’t always determine the right choice - context, workflow needs, and budget weigh heavily.

Matching Cameras to Photography Types: Which One Excels Where?

Portraits: Panasonic S1H takes the cake with superior autofocus, RAW support, and pro lenses. The Olympus serves only casual portraits.

Landscapes: S1H offers better dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing. Olympus limited but quick for snapshots.

Wildlife: Panasonic’s autofocus and frame rates make it far superior; Olympus only casual use.

Sports: Panasonic’s tracking and burst mode needed; Olympus unsuitable.

Street: Olympus shines for discretion and portability; Panasonic too bulky for stealth.

Macro: Panasonic edges ahead with focus features and stabilization; Olympus adequate for casual macros.

Night/Astro: Panasonic’s full-frame sensor and manual controls excel; Olympus struggles.

Video: Panasonic is a market leader; Olympus limited to basic VGA clips.

Travel: Olympus wins on portability and simplicity; Panasonic excels on flexibility and image quality at the expense of bulk.

Professional: Panasonic is explicitly built for pro demands; Olympus is consumer grade.

Real-World Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

Let’s put theory into pixels. Sample images taken under controlled and natural conditions clearly illustrate the marked difference. Look at the Panasonic’s sharp detail, nuanced tones, and smooth bokeh compared to the Olympus’s more modest output.

Olympus 7010 front Olympus 7010 screen back Panasonic S1H front Panasonic S1H screen back

Final Verdict: One Camera for Every Lifestyle

Choosing between the Olympus 7010 and Panasonic S1H is almost like comparing apples to tractors - they serve wildly different purposes.

• If you want a pocketable, throw-it-in-your-bag camera for casual snapshots, travel light, and simple point-and-shoot photography, the Olympus 7010 remains a cute, inexpensive option. Its limitations are many, but the charm of genuine simplicity and portability is intact.

• If you’re a serious photographer or videographer seeking professional image quality, advanced autofocus, extensive video tools, and a robust build ready for demanding shoots, the Panasonic S1H is a powerhouse. Its price demands commitment, but the creative freedom and quality are outstanding.

Ultimately, understanding these cameras in their full context helps photographers pick what truly matches their style, budget, and workflow - not just their wish lists.

Parting Thoughts: Experience Matters

Having revved the Olympus 7010 for casual beach trips and the Panasonic S1H for multi-day shoots, I deeply respect each for what they represent at their respective ends of the photographic spectrum. Modern compacts like the 7010 are the reliable, heavy-lifting companions of everyday life memories, while cameras like the S1H are the chosen tools for crafting visual masterpieces (and heavy workloads).

Both have their place; your choice boils down to whether you want an agile buddy or a heavy-hitting collaborator.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera bring out the best in every frame!

End of Review