Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS50

Olympus E-PM1 advantages over Panasonic ZS50

• Larger sensor
  4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
  More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
• Bigger pixels
  ~ 4.29 vs 1.54 microns
  Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
• Higher effective ISO

  Higher effective ISO

  Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

  Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

  You can learn more at our glossary entry.

  Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.

  E-PM1 test data on DxO Mark ZS50 test data on DxO Mark
  499 vs 138 iso
  Take photos in low light with less noise
• Hot shoe
  Hot shoe vs None
  Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
• Bulb shutter
  Bulb vs No bulb
  Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
• Bigger JPEG buffer
  9 vs 6 shots
  Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
• Faster shutter
  1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
  Shoot wide open in bright light
• Higher extended ISO
  12800 vs 6400 ISO
  Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility