Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic L1

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic L1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the SZ-11 (14MP) and L1 (7MP) and the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and L1 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-11 was manufactured 4 years later than the L1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SZ-11 scores vs the L1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery and Panasonic L1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-11 has external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic L1 has proportions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic L1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ-11 versus the L1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-11 and L1 is 89 and 65 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-11 and L1.

As you can see, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-11 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-11 will deliver extra detail due to its extra 7 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The more modern SZ-11 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.