Olympus SH-1 vs Panasonic LZ20

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus SH-1 versus Panasonic LZ20, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the LZ20 (16MP) is relatively well matched and they feature the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SH-1 was announced 21 months after the LZ20 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SH-1 scores vs the LZ20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-1 comes with physical dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ20 has sizing of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-1 versus Panasonic LZ20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the SH-1 vs the LZ20.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SH-1 and LZ20 is 88 and 71 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions only by checking a spec sheet. The picture below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-1 and LZ20.

Clearly, each of the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements and the same exact MP therefore you should expect similar quality of images but you should take the production date of the products into consideration. The younger SH-1 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.