Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic ZS200

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic ZS200, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and ZS200 (20MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and ZS200 (1") provide different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-1 was brought out 8 years earlier than the ZS200 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the XZ-1 grades against the ZS200 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200. The entire galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS200 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS200 has proportions of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") along with a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic ZS200 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the XZ-1 versus the ZS200.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and ZS200 is 88 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements just by reviewing technical specs. The visual below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and ZS200.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XZ-1 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZS200 will offer you greater detail having its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images more aggressively. The older XZ-1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.