Olympus SZ-10 vs Panasonic FZ40

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus SZ-10 versus Panasonic FZ40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-10 (14MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras boast the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SZ-10 was released 7 months after the FZ40 and they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SZ-10 grades vs the FZ40 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-10 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-10 Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-10 has got external dimensions of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ40 has dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-10 versus Panasonic FZ40 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-10 versus the FZ40.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-10 and FZ40 is 90 and 68 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reading through technical specs. The picture underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-10 and FZ40.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size and the same MP and you can expect similar quality of images though you should always take the age of the products into consideration. The younger SZ-10 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.