Leica V-Lux 4 vs Olympus SZ-12

In this article, we are matching up the Leica V-Lux 4 and Olympus SZ-12, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Leica and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the V-Lux 4 (12MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is fairly comparable and they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The V-Lux 4 was introduced 9 months after the SZ-12 so they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Leica V-Lux 4 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the V-Lux 4 grades vs the SZ-12 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica V-Lux 4 & Olympus SZ-12. The whole galleries are available at Leica V-Lux 4 Gallery & Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Leica V-Lux 4 has external dimensions of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") and a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-12 has measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Leica V-Lux 4 and Olympus SZ-12 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the V-Lux 4 compared to the SZ-12.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the V-Lux 4 and SZ-12 is 65 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to envision the gap in sensor dimensions merely by seeing technical specs. The pic below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the V-Lux 4 and SZ-12.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Olympus SZ-12 to show greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The more recent V-Lux 4 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.