Olympus SZ-10 vs Panasonic ZS40

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus SZ-10 versus Panasonic ZS40, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the SZ-10 (14MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SZ-10 was released 3 years before the ZS40 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SZ-10 grades against the ZS40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-10 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-10 enjoys physical measurements of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS40 has sizing of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-10 versus Panasonic ZS40 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SZ-10 compared to the ZS40.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-10 and ZS40 is 90 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to see the difference in sensor sizing merely by looking through technical specs. The visual here will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-10 and ZS40.

As you can tell, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Panasonic ZS40 to result in more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The older SZ-10 will be behind in sensor technology.