Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic ZS35

Here is a extended overview of the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic ZS35, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and ZS35 (16MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and ZS35 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-1 was announced 3 years prior to the ZS35 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the XZ-1 grades vs the ZS35 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35. The whole galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS35 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-1 has outer measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS35 has sizing of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic ZS35 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the XZ-1 compared to the ZS35.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and ZS35 is 88 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizing purely by going through specifications. The graphic underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-1 and ZS35.

Plainly, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 with its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS35 will show extra detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images more aggressively. The older XZ-1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.