Clicky

Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12

Portability
75
Imaging
37
Features
38
Overall
37
Nikon Coolpix L120 front
 
Olympus SZ-12 front
Portability
89
Imaging
37
Features
36
Overall
36

Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 Key Specs

Nikon L120
(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
Olympus SZ-12
(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
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

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").

Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

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.

Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

        

Reasons to pick Nikon L120 over the Olympus SZ-12

 L120 SZ-12 
Screen resolution921k460kCrisper screen (+461k dot)

Reasons to pick Olympus SZ-12 over the Nikon L120

 SZ-12 L120 
ReleasedJanuary 2012February 2011More recent by 11 months

Common features in the Nikon L120 and Olympus SZ-12

 L120 SZ-12 
Manually focus Lack of manual focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen sizing3"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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 size comparison

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 top view buttons comparison

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 sensor size comparison

Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon L120 Portrait photography features
Olympus SZ-12 Portrait photography features
33
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
features face detect focusing
manual focus not available
manual mode not possible
can't use external flash
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
33
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
supports face detect focus
no manual focus
manual exposure not available
no external flash support
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

Street Comparison

Nikon L120 Street photography information
Olympus SZ-12 Street photography information
48
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
fixed screen
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
60
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than competitors (226g)
fixed screen
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Nikon L120
Sports photography with Olympus SZ-12
43
incredible zoom range (25-525mm 21.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
features tracking focus
continuous shooting slow (1.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority mode
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect AF
40
excellent zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
supports tracking focus
slow frames per second (1.0 frames/s)
lack of shutter priority mode
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
bad battery power (220 shots)
does not have phase detect auto focus
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Travel Comparison

Nikon L120 Travel photography factors
Olympus SZ-12 Travel photography factors
60
resolution is good (14MP)
has built in flash
relatively wide (25mm)
long zoom (525mm)
doesn't have Timelapse recording
display isn't selfie friendly
slow max aperture (f3.1)
65
lighter than competitors (226 grams)
resolution is good (14MP)
flash built-in
relatively wide (25mm)
great reach (600mm)
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
bad battery power (220 CIPA)
doesn't posses selfie friendly display
sluggish max aperture (f3.0)
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Nikon L120
Landscape photography with Olympus SZ-12
40
relatively wide (25mm)
screen size is good (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
resolution is good (14MP)
manual focus not available
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
slow max aperture (f3.1)
manual mode not possible
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
doesn't have Timelapse recording
40
relatively wide (25mm)
nice screen size (3")
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
resolution is good (14MP)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.0)
manual exposure not available
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
bad battery power (220 shots)
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L120 as a Vlogging camera
Olympus SZ-12 as a Vlogging camera
27
relatively wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
features face detect focusing
slow max aperture (f3.1)
display isn't selfie friendly
video resolution low (1280 x 720 resolution)
doesn't have microphone support
31
relatively wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
supports face detect focus
lighter than competitors (226g)
sluggish max aperture (f3.0)
doesn't posses selfie friendly display
video res low (1280 x 720 pixels)
doesn't have mic socket
Photography Glossary

Nikon L120 vs Olympus SZ-12 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon L120 and Olympus SZ-12
 Nikon Coolpix L120Olympus 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