Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS50

Here is a thorough analysis of the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS50, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and ZS50 (12MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SP-100 was released 11 months before the ZS50 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the SP-100 matches up vs the ZS50 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-100 features outer measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS50 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS50 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the SP-100 vs the ZS50.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-100 and ZS50 is 63 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to see the difference between sensor sizing simply by going over specs. The visual underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-100 and ZS50.

All in all, the 2 cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Olympus SP-100 to offer you more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older SP-100 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.