Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic FZ1000

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic FZ1000, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-11 (14MP) and FZ1000 (20MP) and the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and FZ1000 (1") provide totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-11 was launched 3 years earlier than the FZ1000 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ-11 grades against the FZ1000 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery and Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-11 features outer measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ1000 has specifications of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") having a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic FZ1000 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-11 versus the FZ1000.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-11 and FZ1000 is 89 and 55 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes only by checking technical specs. The image here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-11 and FZ1000.

As you can tell, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-11 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic FZ1000 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged SZ-11 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.