Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FP5

Below is a detailed review of the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic FP5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the FP5 (14MP) is very similar and both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-12 was unveiled 13 months later than the FP5 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short view of how the SZ-12 matches up vs the FP5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic FP5 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-12 features outside measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic FP5 has measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic FP5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-12 against the FP5.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and FP5 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements purely by going over technical specs. The visual here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and FP5.

As you can tell, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size and the exact same resolution and you should expect similar quality of photographs although you will need to consider the release date of the products into consideration. The younger SZ-12 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.