Olympus SH-1 vs Panasonic ZS5

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus SH-1 and Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the SH-1 (16MP) and ZS5 (12MP) but they use the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SH-1 was manufactured 3 years after the ZS5 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SH-1 matches up against the ZS5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SH-1 provides exterior measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-1 and Panasonic ZS5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the SH-1 compared to the ZS5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-1 and ZS5 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizes purely by checking out specifications. The pic below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-1 and ZS5.

To sum up, both of those cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus SH-1 to show more detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The fresher SH-1 provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.