Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FH7

The following is a extensive assessment of the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic FH7, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the FH7 (16MP) is pretty similar and both cameras have the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-12 was brought out 5 months after the FH7 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ-12 scores versus the FH7 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic FH7 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-12 comes with outer dimensions 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 FH7 has sizing of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic FH7 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-12 versus the FH7.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and FH7 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Often, its tough to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing technical specs. The pic below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and FH7.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should expect the Panasonic FH7 to offer you extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs more aggressively.