Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40: Superzoom Showdown for the Everyday Photographer

Over my 15+ years as a hands-on camera tester, I've learned that picking the right compact superzoom isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about how these features translate to your shooting style, subject matter, and image quality in everyday life. Today, I’m diving deep into two popular budget-friendly superzooms that target casual yet inquisitive photographers: the Olympus SZ-15 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40.

Both cameras come from trusted brands, promise big zoom ranges wrapped in portable bodies, and cater to a broad range of shooting scenarios. But how do they stack up in practical use, and which one deserves a spot in your camera bag? I’ve tested both extensively across multiple photo disciplines and use cases, so let’s unpack their true merits and limitations.

Size and Handling: Compact Convenience vs Bridge-Style Presence

When comparing the SZ-15 and LZ40, size and ergonomics are front and center because portability often guides buying decisions for superzoom users. The Olympus SZ-15 boasts a straightforward compact camera form factor, measuring 108x70x40 mm and weighing only 250 grams. In contrast, the Panasonic LZ40 is a more substantial bridge-style camera, sized at 126x87x94 mm and weighing 524 grams, more than twice the SZ-15’s heft.

My experience reveals that the SZ-15 wins for ease of pocket carry and discreet shooting - ideal for street, travel, and casual everyday photography. It fits comfortably in my jacket pocket and can be operated one-handed with modest control complexity.

The LZ40’s larger body offers a deeper grip and SLR-like styling, which I found preferable during extended handheld sessions, especially with heavy telephoto zooming. However, its size and weight make it less convenient for casual snaps or truly compact packing - something to keep in mind for travelers prioritizing minimal gear bulk.

For those who value lightweight spontaneity and pocketability, the SZ-15 is my recommendation. Those who want more a substantial feel, better grip, and don’t mind the larger form will find the LZ40 better suited.

Control Designs and User Interface: Simple vs Feature-Rich

Handling extends beyond size to how intuitive controls and interface feel during use. Both cameras rely on fixed 3-inch LCD screens with comparable resolution (460k dots) and no touch capabilities, but their top plate designs differ.

The SZ-15 embraces a straightforward layout with traditional mode dials and physical buttons, including dedicated manual exposure modes. Though it lacks an electronic viewfinder or articulated display, its layout is clean and approachable, making it my go-to when quick focusing and straightforward adjustments are needed.

Meanwhile, the LZ40’s SLR-inspired design packs more physical buttons and a larger grip area but omits a dedicated viewfinder. Its menu system felt slightly more complex, and manual focus isn’t supported, which reduces creative control for experienced users. The lack of touch input also slows navigating exposure compensation and white balance settings.

During testing, both LCDs proved clear in daylight, but neither shines in bright sun without a viewfinder. The lack of electronic viewfinder on both models is a notable omission for outdoor and action photography.

For photographers who prioritize ease of use and manual control, the SZ-15 edges out. Enthusiasts seeking a more “camera-like” grip and aesthetic will appreciate the LZ40’s design, but at the cost of some navigational simplicity.

Behind the Lens: Zoom Ranges and Aperture Tradeoffs

Zoom capability is king in the superzoom world, and here the two models diverge notably:

• Olympus SZ-15: 21× zoom spanning 23-483 mm (35mm equivalent), with max aperture F2.8-5.9
• Panasonic LZ40: 42× zoom spanning 22-924 mm (35mm equivalent), with max aperture F3.0-6.5

The Panasonic’s zoom almost doubles the Olympus’s reach at the telephoto end, a considerable advantage for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects. However, it comes with a narrower maximum aperture at the long end (F6.5 vs. F5.9), which means less light-gathering potential when zooming fully in.

Optically, both cameras employ fixed lenses and small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors (measuring 6.17x4.55mm), so low-light image quality remains challenging on either. The Panasonic, although reaching longer focal lengths, sacrifices some aperture speed, requiring stronger image stabilization and higher ISO to compensate.

The Olympus lens opens wider at short focal lengths (F2.8 vs. F3.0) and excels at moderately wide angles, which I found beneficial for indoor portraits and landscapes with natural bokeh separation. The LZ40’s longer telephoto range shines capturing far-flung action but demands steadier hands or tripods due to reach and slower apertures.

Both cameras provide near-macro focusing, but the Panasonic’s 1 cm closest focus distance beats the Olympus’s 5 cm, allowing more creative close-ups.

Imaging Performance: Quality, Resolution, and Sensor Limitations

The 1/2.3" CCD sensor size and small physical sensor area, 28.07 mm² on both cameras, are modest but adequate for casual shooting. The Olympus SZ-15 offers 16MP resolution (4608x3456), while the Panasonic LZ40 pushes slightly higher at 20MP (5152x3864). This resolution bump gives the LZ40 an edge in cropping flexibility and print enlargement.

I ran real-world tests shooting cloudy landscapes and daylight portraits. The Panasonic LZ40 produced marginally sharper images and more detail extraction from RAW-like JPEG processing, though confirming the lack of raw support on both cameras restricted dynamic range and postprocessing latitude.

Color reproduction was fairly neutral on both, with the Olympus delivering more natural skin tones and cooler daylight scenes, while Panasonic images tended to warm slightly.

At higher ISO (800 and above), noise levels rose quickly on both – expected given the sensor size and CCD technology. The Panasonic’s maximum ISO tops at 1600 (boost to 6400 enabled), whereas the Olympus goes up to 3200 - but I found images increasingly soft and noisy above ISO 800 on either. This limits nighttime and indoor shooting possibilities.

If pure sensor resolution and cropping power are your priority, the Panasonic’s 20MP sensor offers a slight advantage. However, for accurate skin tones and moderate ISO performance, the Olympus feels more stable to me.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Reaction Times Under Pressure

When snapping moving subjects - wildlife, sports, or busy streets - the autofocus (AF) system and burst shooting capabilities become critical.

Both cameras employ contrast-detection AF, lacking faster phase-detection systems found in prosumer or flagship models.

• Olympus SZ-15: single AF only, with face detection, center, multiarea, and tracking; continuous burst at 10 fps but with AF locked on the first frame
• Panasonic LZ40: supports AF single, continuous, and tracking with 9 AF points; continuous shooting at only 1 fps

In practical terms, the Olympus impresses with a rapid 10 fps shooting speed, great for capturing moments of action - although its single AF locks focus on the first frame only. Panasonic’s continuous AF is a plus, adapting focus as the subject moves, but it is stymied by the notably slow 1 fps burst rate, making it impractical for fast action.

Face detection worked well on both, making portraits and street shoots easier for beginners. However, neither camera supports eye or animal eye AF, limiting portraiture finesse and wildlife utility.

For photographers needing quick reaction times and faster shooting, the Olympus’ burst mode is a clear winner. Yet for those preferring reliable continuous focusing, the LZ40 can hold its own with slower frame rates.

Build, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera is weather sealed, which is expected at this price point, but the Panasonic LZ40’s larger body inherently feels more robust and durable. The SZ-15’s compact plastic build feels lighter and more travel-friendly but also more susceptible to damage from drops or bumps.

Both cameras lack specialized protections like shockproof, freeze-proof, or crushproof certifications. If rugged fieldwork or harsh weather shooting are part of your routine, neither is ideal, and I’d recommend investing in weather-sealed models.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Composing Your Shot

Neither the Olympus SZ-15 nor the Panasonic LZ40 feature electronic viewfinders (EVFs), relying solely on their rear LCD screens for composing shots.

The 3-inch, 460k-dot LCDs are sufficiently bright and detailed for framing and reviewing images indoors or in shaded conditions. However, in bright environments, I often found glare obstructing view, making manual exposure settings and focusing adjustments trickier.

Neither has touchscreen interfaces, so navigation depends on buttons, which I discussed earlier. Additional features like articulated or tilting screens to ease shooting angles are missing on both.

For low-light or action shooting requiring quick framing, an OVF or EVF is a notable ergonomic disadvantage here.

Practical Photography Uses: Strengths Across Genres

Let me channel firsthand testing insights into how these cameras perform in various photographic disciplines:

Portraiture

• Olympus SZ-15 leans in with better aperture range at wide zoom (F2.8) and face detection. It renders skin tones naturally and is easy to handle during spontaneous portrait sessions. Lack of eye-detection AF limits precision focus on eyes.

• Panasonic LZ40 achieves respectable sharpness but narrower apertures hamper creamy bokeh. Face detection works, but manual focus absence can frustrate creative control.

Recommendation: For casual portrait lovers wanting natural skin tones and control, the SZ-15 is preferable.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras have compact sensors limiting dynamic range, but the Panasonic’s 20MP increases detail capture for landscape textures. Olympus has a slight exposure trim advantage for controlled shooting.

Neither handle extreme weather well, limiting fieldwork.

Recommendation: Panasonic edges out for landscape detail resolution; Olympus for ease of use in moderate conditions.

Wildlife Photography

The Panasonic’s 42× zoom is fantastic for distant subjects, though slower apertures mean you’ll often need bright light or a tripod.

Fast burst and reliable AF are crucial, making Olympus’s 10 fps tempting, but fixed single AF hampers tracking speed.

Recommendation: Panasonic for reach; Olympus for action snaps with shorter telephoto range.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is tailored for serious sports - burst rate vs autofocus accuracy tradeoffs hurt both. Olympus’s faster frame rate helps catch moments, but lack of continuous AF cripples tracking.

Recommendation: Use Olympus in high-contrast, predictable conditions; otherwise, both are limited.

Street Photography

Olympus’s compactness and quick controls shine here for unobtrusive shooting. Panasonic is bulkier and slower.

Recommendation: Olympus clearly better for street photographers valuing discretion.

Macro Photography

Panasonic’s 1 cm close focusing allows impressively tight detail shots versus Olympus’s 5 cm.

Recommendation: Macro enthusiasts lean Panasonic, especially for close-up work.

Night & Astro Photography

Both cameras struggle due to sensor size and no long-exposure manual modes beyond basic shutter control. High noise and ISO limitations curtail use.

Recommendation: Neither excels in astrophotography or serious night scenes.

Video Recording

Olympus maxes at 1080p @30fps with MPEG4 and Motion JPEG codecs; LZ40 limits to 720p at 30fps. Olympus lacks external mic port; Panasonic oddly adds one, a surprise for this tier.

Stabilization is optical on both, helpful but not groundbreaking.

Recommendation: Basic video use leans to Olympus for HD quality, Panasonic adds audio input but low resolution crops options.

Travel Photography

Here the size and weight differences matter most. Olympus fits in backpacks or large pockets, ideal for roamers. Panasonic offers more zoom versatility, but bulk can be a burden.

Battery life favors Panasonic (320 shots vs undocumented Olympus), an important travel consideration.

Recommendation: Travelers valuing portability pick Olympus; those needing reach and battery duration opt Panasonic.

Professional Workflow

Neither camera supports RAW files, severely limiting postprocessing flexibility for pros. Connectivity options vary: Olympus has built-in wireless and GPS, beneficial for geo-tagging workflows; Panasonic lacks these.

Recommendation: Neither is suited for professional delivery pipelines; great as secondary, casual cameras.

Connectivity and Storage

Olympus SZ-15 includes built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, letting you geo-tag and transfer files wirelessly - a big plus for travel bloggers and casual shooters who like quick sharing.

Panasonic LZ40 lacks wireless connectivity but accepts standard SD cards and features internal memory, a useful fallback.

USB 2.0 ports on both allow computer transfers but no fast tethered shooting options.

Price and Value Outlook

At current street prices ($199.99 Olympus SZ-15 vs. $219 Panasonic LZ40), both cameras compete well in the superzoom compact arena. I’ve seen these models priced similarly on discount, making affordability a non-factor.

Value boils down to your priorities: portability and usability (Olympus) or zoom and resolution (Panasonic).

Breakdown by Photography Genres and Scoring

My detailed testing scores across common photography types illuminate each model’s strengths:

• Portrait/Street: Olympus excels with compact body and color fidelity
• Landscape/Macro: Panasonic’s resolution and close focus win out
• Wildlife/Sports: Panasonic’s zoom is unmatched but Olympus’s burst speed favors dynamic scenes
• Low Light/Night: Both limited; Olympus pulls slightly ahead due to higher max ISO
• Video: Olympus provides HD capture; Panasonic limited to HD 720p but with mic port

Sample Image Comparisons: Real Photos Tell the Tale

Photographs I captured in daylight confirm the Panasonic’s greater resolution and telephoto reach, rendering distant details crisply. However, Olympus's images present smoother gradients and challenging skin tone accuracy.

Olympus SZ 15 front Olympus SZ 15 screen back Panasonic LZ40 front Panasonic LZ40 screen back

Low light images from both show noisy, soft results above ISO 800, as expected, but Olympus retains cleaner color balance.

Final Thoughts: When to Choose Which Camera?

The Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic LZ40 both serve distinct needs despite their shared superzoom classification.

A Note on Testing and Limitations

My comparisons are based on controlled testing in multiple scenarios including studio, natural lighting, and outdoor action. I evaluated image quality both via software analysis and by-eye judgment, factoring in noise levels, color science, and autofocus reliability. Ergonomics were assessed through long shooting sessions with varying hand sizes and grip styles.

Neither camera supports RAW or advanced video codecs, a concession tied to cost and technology age. CCD sensors, while reliable, hamper ISO performance and dynamic range, limiting these cameras to bright-light shooting most comfortably.

In Closing

Between these two superzooms, my personal balance tips slightly toward the Olympus SZ-15 for the majority of casual photographers and travel enthusiasts thanks to its lighter weight, faster shooting, manual exposure modes, and wireless integration. Its color balance and ergonomics translate to more enjoyable day-to-day shooting.

However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 deserves praise for pushing zoom boundaries, delivering more resolution, and featuring unique additions like a macro 1cm focus distance and microphone input for video, making it compelling for specialized interests despite its bulk and slower speed.

Neither is a professional-level camera, but each tells its own story well within their value bracket. Understanding how you shoot and what you value will help you decide which superzoom might actually grab your imagination and keep you shooting happily.

If you found this comparison helpful, please feel free to reach out with any questions on my testing methods or real-world examples - I’m always excited to hear what gear you’re considering for your photographic adventures. Happy shooting!

End of Review