Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZR1

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus SP-100 versus Panasonic ZR1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and ZR1 (12MP) but both cameras have the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-100 was introduced 4 years after the ZR1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple overview of how the SP-100 matches up vs the ZR1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-100 offers outside 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) whilst the Panasonic ZR1 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-100 versus Panasonic ZR1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SP-100 vs the ZR1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and ZR1 is 63 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions just by checking out a spec sheet. The image underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-100 and ZR1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should expect the Olympus SP-100 to show more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger SP-100 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.