Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12
75 Imaging
37 Features
38 Overall
37


89 Imaging
37 Features
36 Overall
36
Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-525mm (F3.1-5.8) lens
- 431g - 110 x 77 x 78mm
- Released February 2011
- Earlier Model is Nikon L110
(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
- Released January 2012

Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 Overview
In this article, we will be analyzing the Nikon L120 versus Olympus SZ-12, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the L120 (14MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is relatively comparable and they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

The L120 was launched 11 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 we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the L120 grades versus the SZ-12 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix L120 and Olympus SZ-12. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon L120 Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L120 over the Olympus SZ-12
L120 | SZ-12 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Crisper screen (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Olympus SZ-12 over the Nikon L120
SZ-12 | L120 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | January 2012 | ![]() | February 2011 | More recent by 11 months |
Common features in the Nikon L120 and Olympus SZ-12
L120 | SZ-12 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Lack of Touch screen |
Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to lug around your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon L120 provides exterior dimensions of 110mm x 77mm x 78mm (4.3" x 3.0" x 3.1") along with a weight of 431 grams (0.95 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-12 has sizing of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).
See the Nikon L120 versus Olympus SZ-12 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the L120 versus the SZ-12.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the L120 and SZ-12 is 75 and 89 respectively.

Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements only by checking out specifications. The visual underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the L120 and SZ-12.
Plainly, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same megapixels therefore you should expect comparable quality of photographs though you may want to consider the release date of the cameras into account. The older L120 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.

Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix L120 | Olympus SZ-12 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Olympus |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix L120 | Olympus SZ-12 |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2011-02-09 | 2012-01-10 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed C2 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixel | 14 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | - |
Highest resolution | 4320 x 3240 | 4288 x 3216 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 1600 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
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 | ||
Total focus points | 9 | - |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 25-525mm (21.0x) | 25-600mm (24.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/3.1-5.8 | f/3.0-6.9 |
Macro focusing distance | 1cm | - |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 921 thousand dots | 460 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD with Anti-reflection coating | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 4s | 4s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/1700s |
Continuous shooting rate | 1.0fps | 1.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 6.00 m | - |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720p (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | 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 | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 431g (0.95 pounds) | 226g (0.50 pounds) |
Dimensions | 110 x 77 x 78mm (4.3" x 3.0" x 3.1") | 106 x 69 x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 330 images | 220 images |
Style of battery | AA | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | 4 x AA | LI-50B |
Self timer | Yes (10 or 2 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec, pet auto shutter) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail pricing | $300 | $350 |