Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic FZ40

The following is a in depth review of the Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic FZ40, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the XZ-10 (12MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is relatively well matched and they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The XZ-10 was manufactured 2 years after the FZ40 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a simple overview of how the XZ-10 grades vs the FZ40 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus XZ-10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The entire galleries are available at Olympus XZ-10 Gallery and Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-10 provides outer dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ40 has dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic FZ40 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the XZ-10 vs the FZ40.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-10 and FZ40 is 91 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions purely by looking at technical specs. The pic below might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-10 and FZ40.

As you have seen, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Panasonic FZ40 to resolve more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern XZ-10 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.