Olympus E-300 vs Olympus SZ-12

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-300 vs Olympus SZ-12, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Olympus. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and SZ-12 (14MP) and the E-300 (Four Thirds) and SZ-12 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

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The E-300 was introduced 8 years before the SZ-12 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-300 matches up vs the SZ-12 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-300 & Olympus SZ-12. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-300 Gallery & Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-300 enjoys outer measurements of 147mm x 85mm x 64mm (5.8" x 3.3" x 2.5") along with a weight of 624 grams (1.38 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-12 has measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-300 vs Olympus SZ-12 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the E-300 and the SZ-12.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-300 and SZ-12 is 67 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to picture the gap in sensor dimensions only by going through technical specs. The picture underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-300 and SZ-12.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-300 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus SZ-12 will show greater detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots more aggressively. The more aged E-300 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.