Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic SZ8

The following is a in depth assessment of the Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic SZ8, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the FE-4000 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FE-4000 was revealed 5 years before the SZ8 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short overview of how the FE-4000 grades against the SZ8 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus FE-4000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-4000 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus FE-4000 provides outside measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ8 has sizing of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic SZ8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the FE-4000 vs the SZ8.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FE-4000 and SZ8 is 95 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to see the difference between sensor dimensions merely by going over technical specs. The image underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FE-4000 and SZ8.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic SZ8 to offer extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged FE-4000 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.