Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic ZS20

Following is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic ZS20, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and ZS20 (14MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and ZS20 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-1 was launched 15 months before the ZS20 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the XZ-1 grades vs the ZS20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 offers external dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS20 has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic ZS20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the XZ-1 compared to the ZS20.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and ZS20 is 88 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizes only by reading technical specs. The image below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and ZS20.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh easier and the Panasonic ZS20 will offer greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The more aged XZ-1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.