Clicky

Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus SZ-10

Portability
64
Imaging
36
Features
50
Overall
41
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS front
 
Olympus SZ-10 front
Portability
90
Imaging
37
Features
36
Overall
36

Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus SZ-10 Key Specs

Canon SX40 HS
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-840mm (F2.7-5.8) lens
  • 600g - 123 x 92 x 108mm
  • Introduced September 2011
  • Succeeded the Canon SX30 IS
  • New Model is Canon SX50 HS
Olympus SZ-10
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-504mm (F3.1-4.4) lens
  • 215g - 106 x 67 x 38mm
  • Introduced February 2011
Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit

Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus SZ-10 Overview

In this write-up, we are looking at the Canon SX40 HS versus Olympus SZ-10, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the SX40 HS (12MP) and the SZ-10 (14MP) is very well matched and they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

The SX40 HS was announced 8 months after the SZ-10 and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX40 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SX40 HS matches up against the SZ-10 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp
	
	

Reasons to pick Canon SX40 HS over the Olympus SZ-10

 SX40 HS SZ-10 
IntroducedSeptember 2011February 2011More modern by 8 months
Manual focus More exact focus
Display typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating display
Selfie screen Easy selfies

Reasons to pick Olympus SZ-10 over the Canon SX40 HS

 SZ-10 SX40 HS 
Display sizing3"2.7"Larger display (+0.3")
Display resolution460k230kSharper display (+230k dot)

Common features in the Canon SX40 HS and Olympus SZ-10

 SX40 HS SZ-10 
Touch display Absent Touch display

Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus SZ-10 Physical Comparison

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX40 HS provides external measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") having a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-10 has specifications of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX40 HS versus Olympus SZ-10 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SX40 HS versus the SZ-10.

Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus SZ-10 size comparison

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SX40 HS and SZ-10 is 64 and 90 respectively.

Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus SZ-10 top view buttons comparison

Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus SZ-10 Sensor Comparison

In many cases, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes simply by checking technical specs. The picture underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX40 HS and SZ-10.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Olympus SZ-10 to give you greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics far more aggressively. The more modern SX40 HS will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.

Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus SZ-10 sensor size comparison

Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus SZ-10 Screen and ViewFinder

Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus SZ-10 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Canon SX40 HS Portrait photography info
Olympus SZ-10 Portrait photography info
41
manual focus
above average flash sync (1/2,000 seconds)
has face detect autofocus
MP count low (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
33
good resolution (14MP)
comes with face detect focus
focusing manually not possible
no manual exposure
external flash not possible
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability

Street Comparison

Canon SX40 HS as a Street photography camera
Olympus SZ-10 as a Street photography camera
49
screen articulates
image stabilization (Optical)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
more heavy than competitors (600 grams)
60
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than others (215g)
no articulating screen
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras

Sports Comparison

Canon SX40 HS Sports photography highlights
Olympus SZ-10 Sports photography highlights
43
excellent zoom range (24-840mm 35.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Optical)
good battery life (380 shots)
MP count low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect autofocus
40
amazing zoom range (28-504mm 18.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
good resolution (14 megapixels)
comes with tracking focus
very slow continuous shooting (1.0 fps)
no shutter priority mode
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
low battery (220 shots)
lacks phase detect auto focus
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Travel Comparison

Canon SX40 HS Travel photography features
Olympus SZ-10 Travel photography features
55
good battery life (380 CIPA)
built-in flash
display is selfie friendly
relatively wide (24mm)
very long zoom (840mm)
no Timelapse mode
more heavy than competitors (600 grams)
MP count low (12MP)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.7)
65
lighter than others (215g)
good resolution (14 megapixels)
built-in flash
decently wide (28mm)
very long zoom (504mm)
lack of Timelapse mode
low battery (220 shots)
doesn't feature selfie friendly display
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

Landscape Comparison

Canon SX40 HS as a Landscape photography camera
Olympus SZ-10 as a Landscape photography camera
38
manual focus
relatively wide (24mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
good battery life (380 shots)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.7)
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inch)
MP count low (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
no Timelapse mode
40
decently wide (28mm)
pretty good screen size (3")
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
good resolution (14MP)
focusing manually not possible
cannot switch lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
no manual exposure
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
low battery (220 CIPA)
lack of Timelapse mode
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Canon SX40 HS
Vlogging with Olympus SZ-10
57
relatively wide (24mm)
display is selfie friendly
image stabilization (Optical)
has face detect autofocus
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.7)
no microphone port
more heavy than competitors (600 grams)
31
decently wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
comes with face detect focus
lighter than others (215g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
doesn't feature selfie friendly display
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pixels)
lack of microphone jack
Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus SZ-10 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon SX40 HS and Olympus SZ-10
 Canon PowerShot SX40 HSOlympus SZ-10
General Information
Brand Canon Olympus
Model Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Olympus SZ-10
Category Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Superzoom
Introduced 2011-09-15 2011-02-08
Body design SLR-like (bridge) Compact
Sensor Information
Processor - TruePic III+
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixel 14 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 4:3 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 4000 x 3000 4288 x 3216
Maximum native ISO 3200 1600
Lowest native ISO 100 80
RAW support
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Number of focus points 9 -
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 24-840mm (35.0x) 28-504mm (18.0x)
Max aperture f/2.7-5.8 f/3.1-4.4
Macro focus distance 0cm 1cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.8
Screen
Range of display Fully Articulated Fixed Type
Display sizing 2.7 inch 3 inch
Display resolution 230k dot 460k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Display tech PureColor II VA TFT LCD TFT Color LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 15 secs 4 secs
Maximum shutter speed 1/3200 secs 1/2000 secs
Continuous shooting speed 10.0 frames/s 1.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes -
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range 7.00 m 7.10 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Fill-in Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Maximum flash sync 1/2000 secs -
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (24fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 240 fps) 1280 x 720 (30, 15fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15fps)
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video data format MPEG-4, H.264 Motion JPEG
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 600 gr (1.32 pounds) 215 gr (0.47 pounds)
Dimensions 123 x 92 x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") 106 x 67 x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 380 shots 220 shots
Battery format Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model NB-10L LI-50B
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots One One
Price at launch $330 $300