Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic ZS45

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic ZS45, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the ZS45 (16MP) is fairly comparable and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SZ-15 was unveiled 18 months prior to the ZS45 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SZ-15 matches up against the ZS45 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-15 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-15 provides physical dimensions 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 ZS45 has measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic ZS45 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-15 versus the ZS45.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-15 and ZS45 is 88 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements simply by checking out a spec sheet. The visual below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-15 and ZS45.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same exact resolution and you can expect comparable quality of images although you might want to factor the age of the cameras into account. The older SZ-15 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.