Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic SZ7

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic SZ7, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the E-420 (10MP) and SZ7 (14MP) and the E-420 (Four Thirds) and SZ7 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-420 was launched 4 years before the SZ7 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-420 matches up vs the SZ7 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-420 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-420 Gallery & Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-420 has got physical dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") having a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ7 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic SZ7 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the E-420 compared to the SZ7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-420 and SZ7 is 77 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to see the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading specs. The pic here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-420 and SZ7.

All in all, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-420 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic SZ7 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged E-420 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.