Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FS15

Below is a extended overview of the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FS15, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the FS15 (12MP) is relatively close and they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was revealed 3 years later than the FS15 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SZ-12 matches up against the FS15 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Panasonic FS15 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you will have to think about 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") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic FS15 has measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FS15 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-12 against the FS15.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and FS15 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to envision the gap in sensor measurements just by researching specifications. The graphic below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-12 and FS15.

To sum up, the two cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Olympus SZ-12 to render extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The newer SZ-12 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.