Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FZ70

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FZ70, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the FZ70 (16MP) is relatively close and they come with the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SZ-12 was revealed 18 months prior to the FZ70 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SZ-12 scores versus the FZ70 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic FZ70 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 features outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ70 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic FZ70 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-12 versus the FZ70.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and FZ70 is 89 and 63 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to picture the difference in sensor dimensions merely by viewing specifications. The pic here should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and FZ70.

Plainly, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Panasonic FZ70 to result in greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.