Fujifilm HS35EXR vs Olympus SZ-15

Following is a detailed analysis of the Fujifilm HS35EXR and Olympus SZ-15, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors FujiFilm and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the Fujifilm HS35EXR (16MP) and the SZ-15 (16MP) is fairly similar but the Fujifilm HS35EXR (1/2") and SZ-15 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The Fujifilm HS35EXR was introduced 5 months prior to the SZ-15 and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Fujifilm HS35EXR being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summation of how the Fujifilm HS35EXR matches up against the SZ-15 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Fujifilm FinePix HS35EXR and Olympus SZ-15. The whole galleries are available at Fujifilm HS35EXR Gallery and Olympus SZ-15 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Fujifilm HS35EXR has got physical measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 126mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 5.0") and a weight of 687 grams (1.51 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-15 has sizing of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Contrast the Fujifilm HS35EXR and Olympus SZ-15 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view size comparison of the Fujifilm HS35EXR against the SZ-15.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the Fujifilm HS35EXR and SZ-15 is 59 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading specifications. The picture below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the Fujifilm HS35EXR and SZ-15.

To sum up, both cameras come with the identical MP but different sensor sizes. The Fujifilm HS35EXR uses the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier.