Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS100

Following is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic ZS100, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is pretty close but the SP-100 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-100 was brought out 23 months before the ZS100 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SP-100 scores versus the ZS100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-100 has external measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") and a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic ZS100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the SP-100 compared to the ZS100.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and ZS100 is 63 and 87 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizes only by researching a spec sheet. The picture underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-100 and ZS100.

Clearly, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SP-100 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will provide you with greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged SP-100 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.