Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic GF2

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic GF2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and GF2 (12MP) and the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and GF2 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-15 was announced 2 years after the GF2 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SZ-15 scores vs the GF2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Panasonic GF2 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-15 provides 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) and the Panasonic GF2 has dimensions of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic GF2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-15 against the GF2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and GF2 is 88 and 88 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes just by reviewing technical specs. The pic underneath will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-15 and GF2.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-15 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-15 will offer greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The fresher SZ-15 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.