Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic FH22

Below, we will be reviewing the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic FH22, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the FH22 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they use the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-100 was announced 4 years later than the FH22 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic FH22 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SP-100 matches up vs the FH22 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Panasonic FH22 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SP-100 features outside dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") accompanied by a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Panasonic FH22 has specifications of 100mm x 57mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") and a weight of 170 grams (0.37 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic FH22 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the SP-100 versus the FH22.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-100 and FH22 is 63 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to see the difference between sensor sizing just by looking at technical specs. The photograph here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-100 and FH22.

As you have seen, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Olympus SP-100 to resolve greater detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The younger SP-100 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.