Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FZ40

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic FZ40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is relatively similar and both cameras posses the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SZ-12 was manufactured 18 months after the FZ40 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SZ-12 scores vs the FZ40 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 offers physical 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) and the Panasonic FZ40 has specifications of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic FZ40 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-12 against the FZ40.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and FZ40 is 89 and 68 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading a spec sheet. The image here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and FZ40.

As you can see, both cameras feature the identical sensor size and the identical resolution and you can expect similar quality of pictures however you will need to factor the age of the products into consideration. The more recent SZ-12 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.