Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic ZS100

Following is a extensive review of the Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic ZS100, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is pretty comparable but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") come with different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-15 was manufactured 3 years prior to the ZS100 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SZ-15 grades versus the ZS100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-15 features external 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 ZS100 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic ZS100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-15 vs the ZS100.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and ZS100 is 88 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes just by seeing technical specs. The pic here might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-15 and ZS100.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ-15 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZS100 will produce greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged SZ-15 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.