Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SZ-12

The following is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-M1 and Olympus SZ-12, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is pretty close but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-12 (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

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The E-M1 was introduced 22 months after the SZ-12 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-M1 scores versus the SZ-12 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Olympus SZ-12. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 comes with outside measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-12 has proportions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M1 and Olympus SZ-12 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-M1 against the SZ-12.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and SZ-12 is 71 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by looking through technical specs. The pic below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1 and SZ-12.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-M1 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-M1 will result in greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more recent E-M1 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.