Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic SZ7

Below is a in-depth overview of the Olympus E-PL6 versus Panasonic SZ7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and SZ7 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL6 was introduced 2 years later than the SZ7 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-PL6 matches up against the SZ7 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL6 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery & Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL6 comes with outside measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ7 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL6 versus Panasonic SZ7 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL6 and the SZ7.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL6 and SZ7 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements merely by checking specs. The visual below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL6 and SZ7.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL6 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL6 will give greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The newer E-PL6 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.