Nikon AW100 vs Olympus SZ-12
93 Imaging
39 Features
28 Overall
34


89 Imaging
37 Features
36 Overall
36
Nikon AW100 vs Olympus SZ-12 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 3200
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-140mm (F3.9-4.8) lens
- 178g - 110 x 65 x 23mm
- Revealed August 2011
- Updated by Nikon AW110
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-600mm (F3.0-6.9) lens
- 226g - 106 x 69 x 40mm
- Introduced January 2012

Nikon AW100 vs Olympus SZ-12 Overview
Let's look a bit more in depth at the Nikon AW100 versus Olympus SZ-12, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Nikon and Olympus. The image resolution of the AW100 (16MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is relatively close and they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The AW100 was launched 4 months prior to the SZ-12 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a short summation of how the AW100 grades vs the SZ-12 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon AW100 vs Olympus SZ-12 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix AW100 and Olympus SZ-12. The complete galleries are available at Nikon AW100 Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon AW100 over the Olympus SZ-12
AW100 | SZ-12 |
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Reasons to pick Olympus SZ-12 over the Nikon AW100
SZ-12 | AW100 |
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Common features in the Nikon AW100 and Olympus SZ-12
AW100 | SZ-12 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | August 2011 | ![]() | January 2012 | Same generation |
Manual focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen sizing |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | Same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Absent Touch friendly screen |
Nikon AW100 vs Olympus SZ-12 Physical Comparison
When you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon AW100 comes with outside measurements of 110mm x 65mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 0.9") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-12 has dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon AW100 versus Olympus SZ-12 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at the time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the AW100 versus the SZ-12.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the AW100 and SZ-12 is 93 and 89 respectively.

Nikon AW100 vs Olympus SZ-12 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it is hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing only by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the AW100 and SZ-12.
As you can see, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Nikon AW100 to provide you with more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a little more aggressively.

Nikon AW100 vs Olympus SZ-12 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon AW100 vs Olympus SZ-12 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix AW100 | Olympus SZ-12 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Olympus |
Model | Nikon Coolpix AW100 | Olympus SZ-12 |
Class | Waterproof | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Revealed | 2011-08-24 | 2012-01-10 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4288 x 3216 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 1600 |
Min native ISO | 125 | 80 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 25-600mm (24.0x) |
Max aperture | f/3.9-4.8 | f/3.0-6.9 |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 460k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 4 secs | 4 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/1700 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 3.0 frames per second | 1.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash options | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720 (60 fps),640 x 480 (120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | BuiltIn | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 178 grams (0.39 lbs) | 226 grams (0.50 lbs) |
Dimensions | 110 x 65 x 23mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 0.9") | 106 x 69 x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 220 images |
Style of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL12 | LI-50B |
Self timer | - | Yes (2 or 12 sec, pet auto shutter) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD / SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | One | One |
Cost at release | $299 | $350 |