Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic ZS100

Following is a thorough analysis of the Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic ZS100, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-10 (12MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the XZ-10 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") boast totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-10 was released 3 years before the ZS100 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the XZ-10 scores against the ZS100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus XZ-10 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The complete galleries are available at Olympus XZ-10 Gallery & Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-10 provides external dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS100 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic ZS100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the XZ-10 vs the ZS100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-10 and ZS100 is 91 and 87 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through a spec sheet. The picture here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-10 and ZS100.

Clearly, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The XZ-10 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS100 will render extra detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged XZ-10 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.