Canon SD4000 IS vs Olympus SZ-15

Lets look a bit more closely at the Canon SD4000 IS and Olympus SZ-15, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Canon and Olympus. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the SD4000 IS (10MP) and SZ-15 (16MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SD4000 IS was brought out 3 years prior to the SZ-15 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SD4000 IS matches up versus the SZ-15 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS and Olympus SZ-15. The entire galleries are available at Canon SD4000 IS Gallery and Olympus SZ-15 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon SD4000 IS has external measurements of 100mm x 54mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-15 has dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SD4000 IS and Olympus SZ-15 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the SD4000 IS versus the SZ-15.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SD4000 IS and SZ-15 is 94 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to see the difference between sensor dimensions just by reviewing specs. The picture below should give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SD4000 IS and SZ-15.

All in all, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Olympus SZ-15 to offer greater detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged SD4000 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.