Olympus SZ-15 vs Olympus 7040

Its time to look closer at the Olympus SZ-15 and Olympus 7040, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Olympus. The resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the 7040 (14MP) is pretty similar and both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-15 was revealed 3 years after the 7040 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SZ-15 matches up versus the 7040 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 and Olympus Stylus 7040. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Olympus 7040 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-15 has exterior dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Olympus 7040 has sizing of 95mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 144 grams (0.32 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-15 and Olympus 7040 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-15 against the 7040.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and 7040 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading a spec sheet. The picture here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-15 and 7040.

Clearly, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Olympus SZ-15 to offer you extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The newer SZ-15 will have a benefit in sensor tech.