Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic ZS45

Its time to look closer at the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic ZS45, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the ZS45 (16MP) is fairly comparable and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was introduced 4 years prior to the ZS45 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the SZ-12 grades against the ZS45 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-12 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 offers outside measurements 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 ZS45 has dimensions of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic ZS45 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-12 versus the ZS45.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and ZS45 is 89 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by checking out a spec sheet. The pic below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and ZS45.

Clearly, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Panasonic ZS45 to show greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.