Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic SZ7

Following is a extended assessment of the Olympus XZ-10 and Panasonic SZ7, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the XZ-10 (12MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is very close and they use the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The XZ-10 was unveiled 13 months after the SZ7 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the XZ-10 grades against the SZ7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus XZ-10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The full galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-10 Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-10 comes with physical measurements of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ7 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Look at the Olympus XZ-10 and Panasonic SZ7 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. The following is the front view scale comparison of the XZ-10 compared to the SZ7.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-10 and SZ7 is 91 and 95 respectively.

Often, it's tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes only by researching technical specs. The image below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-10 and SZ7.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Panasonic SZ7 to result in more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The younger XZ-10 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.