Olympus E-P2 vs Olympus SZ-12

Below is a comprehensive overview of the Olympus E-P2 versus Olympus SZ-12, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is very well matched but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and SZ-12 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-P2 was introduced 20 months prior to the SZ-12 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-P2 grades against the SZ-12 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Olympus SZ-12. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P2 enjoys external dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-12 has dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P2 versus Olympus SZ-12 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-P2 against the SZ-12.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P2 and SZ-12 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading through a spec sheet. The visual underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P2 and SZ-12.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-P2 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus SZ-12 will resolve greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The older E-P2 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.