Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus SZ-12

Lets examine more in depth at the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus SZ-12, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-12 (1/2.3") come with different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was announced 3 years prior to the SZ-12 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-P1 matches up vs the SZ-12 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Olympus SZ-12. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 has outer measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-12 has specifications of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus SZ-12 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-P1 compared to the SZ-12.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and SZ-12 is 86 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by checking out specs. The pic underneath will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and SZ-12.

As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-P1 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh simpler and the Olympus SZ-12 will show more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.