Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic FZ1000

Here is a detailed review of the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic FZ1000, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the FZ1000 (20MP) is fairly similar but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and FZ1000 (1") have different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-15 was unveiled 11 months before the FZ1000 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SZ-15 scores vs the FZ1000 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-15 has got outside dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ1000 has dimensions of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") and a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic FZ1000 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-15 vs the FZ1000.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-15 and FZ1000 is 88 and 55 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing only by going over specs. The graphic here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-15 and FZ1000.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-15 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FZ1000 will deliver greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a bit more aggressively. The older SZ-15 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.