Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic SZ5

The following is a complete assessment of the Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic SZ5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the 550WP (10MP) and SZ5 (14MP) but they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The 550WP was released 4 years before the SZ5 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summation of how the 550WP grades against the SZ5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 550WP & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus 550WP Gallery & Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus 550WP provides exterior measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Check out the Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic SZ5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the 550WP vs the SZ5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the 550WP and SZ5 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to picture the difference between sensor dimensions simply by checking a spec sheet. The image below should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the 550WP and SZ5.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Panasonic SZ5 to resolve greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged 550WP is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.