Olympus 9000 vs Panasonic LZ40

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus 9000 vs Panasonic LZ40, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the 9000 (12MP) and LZ40 (20MP) but they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The 9000 was released 5 years before the LZ40 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 9000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the 9000 grades against the LZ40 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 9000 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus 9000 Gallery & Panasonic LZ40 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus 9000 enjoys exterior measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 31mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ40 has measurements of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs).

See the Olympus 9000 vs Panasonic LZ40 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the 9000 against the LZ40.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 9000 and LZ40 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to see the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking specifications. The graphic below should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the 9000 and LZ40.

Plainly, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Panasonic LZ40 to resolve greater detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older 9000 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.