Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic LZ40

Here is a in depth review of the Olympus SZ-11 versus Panasonic LZ40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the SZ-11 (14MP) and LZ40 (20MP) but they possess the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-11 was launched 3 years prior to the LZ40 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SZ-11 scores against the LZ40 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-11 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery & Panasonic LZ40 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-11 enjoys physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ40 has sizing of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") and a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-11 versus Panasonic LZ40 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-11 against the LZ40.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-11 and LZ40 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by looking at specifications. The graphic here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-11 and LZ40.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You can expect to see the Panasonic LZ40 to give you greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older SZ-11 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.