Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FZ200

Below, we will be contrasting the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic FZ200, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the FZ200 (12MP) is relatively similar and they feature the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-12 was manufactured 6 months earlier than the FZ200 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SZ-12 scores vs the FZ200 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic FZ200 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-12 features outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ200 has measurements of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") having a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic FZ200 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ-12 versus the FZ200.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and FZ200 is 89 and 65 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions just by going over a spec sheet. The pic here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and FZ200.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should count on the Olympus SZ-12 to offer you greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively.