Olympus 8010 vs Panasonic ZS1

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus 8010 and Panasonic ZS1, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the 8010 (13MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the 8010 (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") feature different sensor sizing.

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The 8010 was revealed 9 months later than the ZS1 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the 8010 scores against the ZS1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The full galleries are available at Olympus 8010 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 8010 offers physical measurements of 98mm x 64mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 0.9") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS1 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Olympus 8010 and Panasonic ZS1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the 8010 against the ZS1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 8010 and ZS1 is 92 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by viewing specifications. The visual below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the 8010 and ZS1.

Plainly, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 8010 with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus 8010 will render extra detail because of its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more recent 8010 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.