Olympus SP-600 UZ vs Panasonic FS42

Lets look a bit more in depth at the Olympus SP-600 UZ and Panasonic FS42, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-600 UZ (12MP) and the FS42 (10MP) is relatively comparable but the SP-600 UZ (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The SP-600 UZ was revealed 10 months after the FS42 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-600 UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SP-600 UZ scores against the FS42 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-600 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-600 UZ Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-600 UZ comes with external dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS42 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SP-600 UZ and Panasonic FS42 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the SP-600 UZ versus the FS42.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-600 UZ and FS42 is 69 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to see the gap in sensor sizes just by going through technical specs. The picture underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-600 UZ and FS42.

As you have seen, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SP-600 UZ using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SP-600 UZ will provide extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more recent SP-600 UZ will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.