Olympus E-5 vs Olympus SZ-12

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-5 vs Olympus SZ-12, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Olympus. The resolution of the E-5 (12MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-5 (Four Thirds) and SZ-12 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-5 was brought out 11 months prior to the SZ-12 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-5 matches up against the SZ-12 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-5 and Olympus SZ-12. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-5 offers outer dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst 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).

Look at the Olympus E-5 vs Olympus SZ-12 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the E-5 versus the SZ-12.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-5 and SZ-12 is 58 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to envision the gap in sensor sizing only by checking out specs. The graphic below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-5 and SZ-12.

All in all, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-5 because of its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Olympus SZ-12 will show more detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics way more aggressively. The older E-5 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.