Olympus 7040 vs Panasonic ZS1

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus 7040 and Panasonic ZS1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the 7040 (14MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the 7040 (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") posses totally different sensor size.

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The 7040 was released 8 months after the ZS1 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the 7040 scores against the ZS1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 7040 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus 7040 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus 7040 has exterior dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 144 grams (0.32 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Olympus 7040 and Panasonic ZS1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the 7040 compared to the ZS1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 7040 and ZS1 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to see the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading through specifications. The picture underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the 7040 and ZS1.

To sum up, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 7040 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Olympus 7040 will resolve more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The newer 7040 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.