Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic FZ70

Following is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic FZ70, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and FZ70 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SP-590 UZ was announced 5 years prior to the FZ70 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SP-590 UZ grades versus the FZ70 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Panasonic FZ70 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ enjoys exterior dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") and a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ70 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic FZ70 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the SP-590 UZ compared to the FZ70.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-590 UZ and FZ70 is 72 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through specifications. The picture underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-590 UZ and FZ70.

To sum up, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You should expect to see the Panasonic FZ70 to provide you with greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged SP-590 UZ will be behind in sensor innovation.