Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic FZ1000

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic FZ1000, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the FZ1000 (20MP) is very similar but the SP-100 (1/2.3") and FZ1000 (1") boast different sensor measurements.

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The SP-100 was announced 4 months earlier than the FZ1000 so they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras have the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SP-100 scores vs the FZ1000 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SP-100 has outer dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") along with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ1000 has specifications of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") accompanied by a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic FZ1000 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SP-100 vs the FZ1000.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and FZ1000 is 63 and 55 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over specifications. The visual below may give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-100 and FZ1000.

To sum up, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SP-100 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic FZ1000 will deliver more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively.