Olympus E-510 vs Olympus SZ-12: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Imaging Approaches

When Olympus unwinds its camera lineup, it spans a spectrum from robust DSLRs aimed at serious enthusiasts to quirky, feature-packed compacts for the casual snapper. Here, we put head-to-head two rather different beasts from their catalogues - the Olympus E-510, an advanced DSLR dating back to 2007, and the Olympus SZ-12, a 2012 superzoom compact camera. Comparing these two is like going vintage versus modern convenience, traditional sensor technology versus compact lens wizardry, and serious control against casual versatility. If you’ve ever wondered which Olympus suits your photographic itch (and budget), this detailed guide, based on hands-on experience and comprehensive testing, has you covered.

Before we start unpacking their specs and real-world potential, let’s just appreciate how differently these cameras approach photography.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Handling Wrapped in Different Eras

The E-510 is a classic DSLR - midsize, built to be held with intent, and designed for those who want control under their fingertips. The SZ-12 feels like the quintessential travel buddy, compact, lightweight, and built for quick grab-and-go shoots.

See how that size difference tells you an immediate story? The E-510 weighs in at 490g with dimensions roughly 136x92x68 mm - a solid chunk that feels reassuring in hand. By contrast, the SZ-12 is a featherweight at just 226g and boasts a compact 106x69x40 mm shell. Ergonomically, the E-510’s DSLR body offers a comfortable grip, dedicated buttons, and a robust feel, whereas the SZ-12’s compact tends to nestle quietly in a jacket pocket or purse, ideal when you don’t want gear bulk.

Design and Control Layout: Precision vs Simplicity

Peeking at the top view of these two cameras reveals the divergent philosophies Olympus used for their construction.

The E-510 offers traditional DSLR controls - a mode dial, ISO, shutter speed, and aperture adjustments, alongside a dedicated exposure compensation dial. This means the camera is built for quick manual overrides, important when every fraction of light matters. Conversely, the SZ-12 lacks manual modes, offering only auto or limited program controls, reflecting its target audience prioritizing simplicity and convenience over hands-on customization.

For photographers who crave precision and want to shape their exposure exactly, the E-510’s physical controls are a blessing. The SZ-12 is more for point-and-shoot enthusiasts who want the camera to do the thinking.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size Matters, But So Does Technology

This is where these cameras part ways decisively. The E-510 features a Four Thirds 17.3 x 13 mm CMOS sensor, while the SZ-12 uses a much smaller 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring merely 6.17 x 4.55 mm.

I cannot stress enough how sensor size plays a pivotal role in image quality. Larger sensors like the E-510’s four-thirds chip capture more light, delivering better low-light performance, dynamic range, and color depth. The smaller sensor in the SZ-12, albeit with 14 megapixels compared to the E-510’s 10 MP, simply cannot compete at higher ISOs or in challenging lighting.

DXO Mark rated the E-510 with an overall score of 52, boasting 21.2 bits color depth and 10 stops dynamic range at base ISO - excellent for its era and sensor class. The SZ-12 wasn’t tested by DXO, but based on sensor tech and typical performance, you should expect more noise at even modest ISO 400, limited dynamic range, and overall softer results.

For landscape photographers or anyone relying on image quality that can stand up to large prints or serious editing, the E-510 is the clear winner here. The SZ-12 photos are serviceable for web and casual use but inherently limited by its sensor size.

LCD and Interface: Screen Resolution and Usability

Looking at image composition and review tools, screen real estate matters.

Here, the SZ-12 sports a 3-inch, 460k-dot TFT color LCD, larger and higher resolution than the 2.5-inch, 230k-dot fixed LCD of the E-510. The SZ-12’s screen really shines for casual framing and playback outdoors. The E-510’s smaller, lower-res display feels dated and can be hard to judge critical focus or color nuances.

However, the E-510 compensates with an optical pentamirror viewfinder covering 95% frame, while the SZ-12 offers no viewfinder at all - just reliance on its LCD. For bright daylight shooting, the DSLR optical viewfinder remains more reliable and eye-friendly.

If you prioritize a bright live image for quick framing and easy review on the go, the SZ-12’s screen wins hands down. The E-510’s traditional DSLR method also caters better to those who like shooting at eye level.

Autofocus and Performance: Tracking Speed vs Convenience

Autofocus capabilities dramatically influence usability across photography genres. Olympus’s E-510 offers a 3-point phase-detection AF system, enabling relatively fast and accurate focus acquisition, especially for its time. It supports single and continuous AF modes, but lacks face or eye detection.

Conversely, the SZ-12 relies on contrast detection AF with face detection, typical for compacts. While the SZ-12 has no manual focus option, its autofocus can sometimes be slower in low light or with moving subjects due to the inherent limitations of contrast detection and smaller sensor.

In practice, I found the E-510’s AF more dependable for tracking stationary and slow-moving subjects, suitable for portraits and landscapes. However, if you do casual family snaps or street photography where the camera handles focusing automatically with face detection, the SZ-12 performs well enough.

Neither camera clashes well with demanding fast-action sports or wildlife photography because of modest AF point counts and limitations. But if you want a straightforward focus experience for everyday use, the SZ-12’s ease wins out.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed: Speed Limits in Action

For action or sports photographers, continuous shooting speed and shutter range are crucial.

The E-510 maxes continuous shooting at 3fps, with shutter speeds from 60 seconds to 1/4000 sec. Decent for a 2007 mid-tier DSLR, but not blazing fast. The SZ-12 offers only 1fps burst shooting with maximum shutter speeds capped at 1/1700 sec. Not exactly the stuff of sports photography legends.

In real-world shooting, the E-510’s moderate burst rate suffices for casual sequences or slow-moving subjects. SZ-12 is better for single shots unless you relish slow-motion.

Lens Options and Compatibility: An Ecosystem Battle

Here, the E-510's world opens wide: It uses the Four Thirds lens mount, compatible with about 45 lenses, from Olympus and third parties, ranging from affordable primes to high-end zooms and specialty optics. This versatility is unmatched in the SZ-12’s lane.

The SZ-12 has a fixed 25-600mm equivalent lens (24x zoom) with f/3.0-6.9 aperture, a classic superzoom compact design. It’s incredibly versatile in framing from wide landscape to distant details without swapping lenses, but the image quality and aperture limitations mean it can’t replace dedicated optics.

I’ve often found that a superzoom lens like the SZ-12’s gives tremendous convenience for travel photographers who prefer to carry light and not think about lens changes. Meanwhile, the E-510 is better suited for photographers who want to experiment, refine, and upgrade optics as their skills and needs evolve.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ruggedness Factor

Neither camera is built for the harshest professional environments. Both lack weather sealing, dust, shock, or freeze proofing.

But I would argue that the E-510’s DSLR body is more robust and comfortable for longer shoots - you can feel the sturdiness and reliability in hand. The SZ-12’s plastic compact shell feels delicate in comparison but is quite resilient for its category.

So for regular outdoor landscape or travel photography where unpredictable conditions arise, the E-510 edges out by feel and balance.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Day-to-Day Use

Interestingly, the E-510 doesn’t officially state battery life here, but based on its DSLR class and compatible battery packs, expect roughly 350-400 shots per charge under normal use.

The SZ-12 offers about 220 shots per battery, which is pretty standard for compact fixed lens cameras with smaller battery packs.

In terms of storage, the E-510 features support for Compact Flash and xD Picture Cards, while the modern SZ-12 uses the ubiquitous SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. For convenience, SD cards still win hands down for availability and cost.

Connectivity: The Vintage Gap

Neither camera offers wireless capabilities such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, unsurprisingly given their release dates. The SZ-12, however, sports an HDMI output for playback on TVs, which the E-510 lacks.

Both cameras rely on USB 2.0 data transfer, now slow but serviceable for image import. No GPS or advanced connectivity on either.

Image Sample and Real-World Usage

Of course, specs tell only half the story. Let’s lean on hands-on experience with actual images.

Olympus E 510 front Olympus E 510 screen back Olympus SZ 12 front Olympus SZ 12 screen back

Portraits shot on the E-510 show more natural skin tones and subject-background separation, thanks to the larger sensor and more precise lens control giving creamy bokeh even on budget primes. Conversely, the SZ-12’s fixed superzoom delivers decent midrange sharpness but tends to render flatter skin tones and noisier backgrounds, especially in indoor or dim light.

For landscapes, the E-510’s dynamic range shines through, preserving shadow and highlight details, enabling detailed post-processing grading. SZ-12 landscapes can feel punchy straight out of camera, but don’t hold up as well when pushed in editing.

Wildlife and sports attempts with either camera were limited by autofocus and frame rate. The E-510’s slightly faster burst and more tactile controls helped a little, but neither is a perfect fit for demanding fast action.

Scoring and Strengths Recap

Bringing it all together visually:

The E-510 scores well across image quality, manual control, and lens ecosystem, while the SZ-12 garners marks for portability, zoom convenience, and user-friendliness.

And to zoom deeper into photography styles:

You can see each camera’s sweet spot - E-510 excels in portraits, landscapes, and professional work. The SZ-12 is best for travel, casual street photography, and basic video recording.

Specialized Use Cases: Which Excels Where?

Portrait Photography:
The E-510’s Four Thirds sensor, combined with interchangeable lenses, produces superior skin renditions and natural bokeh. Eye detection is missing, but its AF points and manual focus options give control. The SZ-12’s limited max aperture and sensor size result in flatter backgrounds and less aesthetic depth.

Landscape:
Dynamic range and resolution advantage go to the E-510. DSSLs naturally suit landscapes with more room for creative framing and selective focusing. SZ-12 compacts can capture wide vistas, but expect more noise and less subtle detail.

Wildlife:
Neither camera is optimized here. E-510’s faster shutter and burst are pluses, but only 3 AF points limit accuracy. The SZ-12’s extreme zoom may allow distant shots but at cost to image quality and focus lag.

Sports:
Fast action is best left to more modern, specialized cameras. E-510’s 3fps burst is modest; SZ-12’s 1fps won’t cut it.

Street:
The SZ-12 wins for stealth and portability. Compact size, quiet operation, and no distracting mirror slap make it friendlier for candid moments. The E-510’s bulk and noise could be intrusive.

Macro:
Neither camera offers special macro features or focus stacking. The E-510’s interchangeable lenses let you add dedicated macro glass - a big advantage if close-ups are your thing.

Night/Astro:
E-510’s larger sensor and better ISO performance give it the edge for low-light and astrophotography, especially with support for long exposures up to one minute.

Video:
SZ-12 offers 720p HD video with basic codecs; E-510 has no video capabilities. For casual video, SZ-12 suffices but is far from modern standards.

Travel:
The SZ-12’s compact size and long zoom make it a terrific travel companion when you want many focal lengths without switching lenses. The E-510 is bulkier but offers image quality and flexibility for more serious trips.

Professional Work:
E-510’s support for RAW files and integration with standard workflows makes it viable for professional work in its class, albeit dated now.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Between these cameras, the Olympus E-510 stands as a more serious, versatile DSLR offering image quality and control that can satisfy enthusiastic amateurs or budget-conscious pros today (if you can find one used). It appeals to photographers who want manual modes, RAW shooting, and interchangeable lenses without jumping to pricey gear.

The Olympus SZ-12 suits casual shooters and travel photographers looking for simple point-and-shoot convenience, an enormous zoom range, and good video options in a pocketable form - but with significant compromises in image quality and control.

Recommendations for Different Users

• For beginner/intermediate photographers who want to learn manual settings and grow into diverse photography (portraits, landscapes, macro), the E-510 is the better foundation.
• Casual users, travelers, and street photographers wanting lightweight gear and ease of use should consider the SZ-12.
• If you’re after wildlife or sports photography, neither camera is ideal - look at newer APS-C or full-frame cameras with advanced AF.
• Videographers should look past the E-510 entirely, but the SZ-12 could suffice for basic HD needs.
• Budget-conscious buyers hunting for a used DSLR experience will find the E-510 compelling, but secondhand prices and condition are key considerations.
• For the more casual memory keeper wanting a simple all-in-one zoom-in-your-pocket, pick the SZ-12.

Wrapping Up

Comparing the Olympus E-510 and SZ-12 is like contrasting two eras and two philosophies: meticulous control and superior image quality versus portability and zoom versatility. Both cameras tell compelling stories, yet only one is fit for more advanced, creative work while the other champions convenience and simplicity.

Whichever Olympus camera you lean toward, understanding these strengths and limits will bring clarity to your choice - and hopefully, a better photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

If you want a quick glance, here’s the high-level summary:

• E-510: Bigger sensor, manual controls, better image quality, DSLR ergonomics. Ideal for enthusiasts and semi-pros.
• SZ-12: Compact size, massive zoom, simple interface, HD video. Best for travel and casual use.

Choosing between them ultimately boils down to your priorities: do you want to craft your images or capture moments with minimal fuss? The answer is yours.

Note: Always check for the latest used prices and condition from trusted sellers when considering older cameras, as electronic components age and technology moves on.

Enjoyed this in-depth, hands-on comparison? Feel free to share your own experiences or questions about Olympus cameras below!