Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic SZ7

Its time to take a deeper look at the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic SZ7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-590 UZ was introduced 4 years prior to the SZ7 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SP-590 UZ grades vs the SZ7 with regards 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-SZ7. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SP-590 UZ has got 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) whilst the Panasonic SZ7 has specifications 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 SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic SZ7 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SP-590 UZ vs the SZ7.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-590 UZ and SZ7 is 72 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements only by looking at a spec sheet. The visual here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-590 UZ and SZ7.

Clearly, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Panasonic SZ7 to resolve more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.