Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic LZ40

Here is a thorough comparison of the Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic LZ40, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the LZ40 (20MP) is very close and they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-15 was unveiled 6 months prior to the LZ40 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SZ-15 matches up against the LZ40 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-15 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Panasonic LZ40 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-15 enjoys external 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 Panasonic LZ40 has specifications of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") along with a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic LZ40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the SZ-15 versus the LZ40.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-15 and LZ40 is 88 and 67 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-15 and LZ40.

As you can see, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Panasonic LZ40 to provide you with more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively.