Nikon P500 vs Olympus SZ-12

Below is a thorough analysis of the Nikon P500 and Olympus SZ-12, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Olympus. The resolution of the P500 (12MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they feature the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

The P500 was launched 11 months prior to the SZ-12 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Nikon P500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the P500 matches up vs the SZ-12 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix P500 and Olympus SZ-12. The complete galleries are available at Nikon P500 Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Nikon P500 comes with physical dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 103mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 4.1") and a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-12 has sizing of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

See the Nikon P500 and Olympus SZ-12 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the P500 and the SZ-12.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the P500 and SZ-12 is 67 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its tough to see the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading through specs. The graphic below will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the P500 and SZ-12.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Olympus SZ-12 to resolve more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older P500 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.