Olympus SZ-10 vs Panasonic FZ200

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus SZ-10 and Panasonic FZ200, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-10 (14MP) and the FZ200 (12MP) is pretty well matched and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-10 was revealed 17 months earlier than the FZ200 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SZ-10 matches up vs the FZ200 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-10 Gallery and Panasonic FZ200 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-10 provides exterior measurements of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ200 has measurements of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") and a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-10 and Panasonic FZ200 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SZ-10 against the FZ200.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-10 and FZ200 is 90 and 65 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions just by looking at specs. The picture here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-10 and FZ200.

All in all, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should expect the Olympus SZ-10 to resolve more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged SZ-10 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.