Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS70

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic ZS70, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the ZS70 (20MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras provide the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SP-100 was revealed 4 years prior to the ZS70 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS70 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SP-100 matches up versus the ZS70 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Panasonic ZS70 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-100 enjoys exterior dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") and a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS70 has dimensions of 112mm x 67mm x 41mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6") having a weight of 322 grams (0.71 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic ZS70 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the SP-100 against the ZS70.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and ZS70 is 63 and 87 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through specifications. The visual underneath will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-100 and ZS70.

To sum up, the 2 cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Panasonic ZS70 to resolve more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older SP-100 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.