Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic FS12

In this article, we are looking at the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic FS12, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and FS12 (12MP) but they possess the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-15 was launched 4 years later than the FS12 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SZ-15 scores versus the FS12 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-15 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Panasonic FS12 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-15 enjoys outside measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS12 has dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic FS12 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ-15 versus the FS12.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-15 and FS12 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Often, its hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing simply by looking through a spec sheet. The visual underneath will give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-15 and FS12.

Clearly, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can expect to see the Olympus SZ-15 to provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The more recent SZ-15 provides an advantage in sensor technology.