Nikon S32 vs Olympus SZ-12

On this page, we are analyzing the Nikon S32 vs Olympus SZ-12, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the S32 (13MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the S32 (1/3") and SZ-12 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

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The S32 was revealed 2 years later than the SZ-12 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the S32 matches up against the SZ-12 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S32 & Olympus SZ-12. The full galleries are provided at Nikon S32 Gallery & Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon S32 comes with outer dimensions of 108mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") having a weight of 175 grams (0.39 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).

Check out the Nikon S32 vs Olympus SZ-12 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the S32 against the SZ-12.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S32 and SZ-12 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing merely by seeing a spec sheet. The visual underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the S32 and SZ-12.

Clearly, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S32 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Olympus SZ-12 will show greater detail because of its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics more aggressively. The fresher S32 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.