Olympus 7040 vs Panasonic S2

Following is a detailed analysis of the Olympus 7040 and Panasonic S2, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the 7040 (14MP) and the S2 (14MP) is pretty similar and both cameras posses the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The 7040 was introduced 24 months before the S2 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summary of how the 7040 matches up versus the S2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 7040 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 7040 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus 7040 provides external dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 144 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Panasonic S2 has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Look at the Olympus 7040 and Panasonic S2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the 7040 compared to the S2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 7040 and S2 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading a spec sheet. The pic below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the 7040 and S2.

As you can see, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the identical megapixels so you should expect similar quality of pictures but you have to take the production date of the products into consideration. The more aged 7040 is going to be behind in sensor tech.