Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic LX7

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic LX7, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and LX7 (10MP) and the SP-100 (1/2.3") and LX7 (1/1.7") use totally different sensor sizing.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The SP-100 was released 16 months after the LX7 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic LX7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SP-100 grades vs the LX7 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Panasonic LX7 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-100 has got physical measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") and a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LX7 has proportions of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic LX7 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SP-100 against the LX7.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-100 and LX7 is 63 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes simply by seeing specs. The image here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-100 and LX7.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SP-100 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus SP-100 will produce more detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more recent SP-100 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.