Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FX78

In this article, we will be looking at the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic FX78, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the FX78 (12MP) is relatively close and they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The SZ-12 was announced 12 months after the FX78 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SZ-12 scores versus the FX78 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic FX78 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-12 has got exterior dimensions 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 FX78 has proportions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic FX78 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-12 and the FX78.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and FX78 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by looking through specifications. The picture underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and FX78.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Olympus SZ-12 to render extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more modern SZ-12 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.