Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic FS42

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic FS42, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-11 (14MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-11 was unveiled 2 years after the FS42 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SZ-11 grades vs the FS42 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-11 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery & Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-11 has outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS42 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic FS42 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-11 and the FS42.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-11 and FS42 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes simply by researching specs. The picture underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-11 and FS42.

All in all, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ-11 having a larger sensor will make getting bokeh easier and the Olympus SZ-11 will result in greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more modern SZ-11 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.