Nikon P500 vs Olympus SZ-15

Following is a detailed assessment of the Nikon P500 vs Olympus SZ-15, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Nikon and Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the P500 (12MP) and SZ-15 (16MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The P500 was announced 3 years prior to the SZ-15 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon P500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the P500 grades versus the SZ-15 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix P500 and Olympus SZ-15. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon P500 Gallery and Olympus SZ-15 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon P500 has got outside measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 103mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 4.1") with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-15 has sizing of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Nikon P500 vs Olympus SZ-15 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the P500 compared to the SZ-15.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the P500 and SZ-15 is 67 and 88 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The picture below will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the P500 and SZ-15.

As you have seen, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You should anticipate the Olympus SZ-15 to give you greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged P500 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.