Olympus 7030 vs Panasonic SZ1

The following is a complete analysis of the Olympus 7030 vs Panasonic SZ1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 7030 (14MP) and the SZ1 (16MP) is pretty comparable and they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The 7030 was manufactured 24 months earlier than the SZ1 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the 7030 scores versus the SZ1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 7030 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus 7030 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus 7030 offers outside measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Olympus 7030 vs Panasonic SZ1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the 7030 versus the SZ1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 7030 and SZ1 is 95 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to picture the gap in sensor dimensions merely by seeing technical specs. The image below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the 7030 and SZ1.

As you have seen, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should expect the Panasonic SZ1 to provide more detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged 7030 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.