Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic ZS40

The following is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic ZS40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-11 (14MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-11 was unveiled 3 years prior to the ZS40 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SZ-11 matches up against the ZS40 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-11 provides exterior 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) and the Panasonic ZS40 has dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic ZS40 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-11 vs the ZS40.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-11 and ZS40 is 89 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reading specifications. The picture below might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-11 and ZS40.

Plainly, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should expect the Panasonic ZS40 to deliver greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged SZ-11 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.