Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS5

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and ZS5 (12MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SP-100 was unveiled 3 years after the ZS5 which is quite a serious difference as far as 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 ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SP-100 grades versus the ZS5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SP-100 has outer 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 ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SP-100 compared to the ZS5.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and ZS5 is 63 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to see the gap between sensor dimensions only by reviewing technical specs. The image underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-100 and ZS5.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Olympus SP-100 to offer you greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The newer SP-100 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.