Fujifilm X-S1 vs Olympus SZ-12

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Fujifilm X-S1 vs Olympus SZ-12, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers FujiFilm and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the Fujifilm X-S1 (12MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is very close but the Fujifilm X-S1 (2/3") and SZ-12 (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The Fujifilm X-S1 was announced within a month of the SZ-12 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Fujifilm X-S1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the Fujifilm X-S1 scores versus the SZ-12 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Fujifilm X-S1 and Olympus SZ-12. The whole galleries are viewable at Fujifilm X-S1 Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Fujifilm X-S1 provides exterior measurements of 135mm x 107mm x 149mm (5.3" x 4.2" x 5.9") with a weight of 920 grams (2.03 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-12 has sizing of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Fujifilm X-S1 vs Olympus SZ-12 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the Fujifilm X-S1 and the SZ-12.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the Fujifilm X-S1 and SZ-12 is 52 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes merely by researching specs. The image below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the Fujifilm X-S1 and SZ-12.

All in all, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The Fujifilm X-S1 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SZ-12 will provide you with more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos more aggressively.