Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FS42

Here is a thorough assessment of the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic FS42, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-12 was manufactured 2 years later than the FS42 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a short view of how the SZ-12 grades against the FS42 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-12 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-12 has got exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic FS42 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic FS42 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-12 vs the FS42.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and FS42 is 89 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to see the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through technical specs. The graphic here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and FS42.

As you have seen, both cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-12 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Olympus SZ-12 will resolve extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The newer SZ-12 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.