Canon SX270 HS vs Olympus SZ-12

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Canon SX270 HS vs Olympus SZ-12, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the SX270 HS (12MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SX270 HS was announced 15 months after the SZ-12 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SX270 HS matches up versus the SZ-12 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX270 HS and Olympus SZ-12. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX270 HS Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX270 HS features outside dimensions of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 233 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-12 has dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX270 HS vs Olympus SZ-12 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the SX270 HS versus the SZ-12.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SX270 HS and SZ-12 is 91 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The image here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX270 HS and SZ-12.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus SZ-12 to give you greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The newer SX270 HS should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.