Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic FS7

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic FS7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the FS7 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and FS7 (1/2.5") enjoy different sensor size.

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The SP-590 UZ was launched around the same time to the FS7 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SP-590 UZ grades vs the FS7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Panasonic FS7 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ features outside dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") and a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) and the Panasonic FS7 has dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic FS7 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SP-590 UZ against the FS7.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-590 UZ and FS7 is 72 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements purely by looking at specs. The visual below might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-590 UZ and FS7.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SP-590 UZ due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh simpler and the Olympus SP-590 UZ will resolve more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a little more aggressively.