Olympus E-P5 vs Olympus SZ-12

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-P5 versus Olympus SZ-12, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Olympus. The resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is very similar but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and SZ-12 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The E-P5 was announced 22 months later than the SZ-12 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick view of how the E-P5 grades versus the SZ-12 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P5 and Olympus SZ-12. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P5 Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P5 comes with exterior dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 420 grams (0.93 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-P5 versus Olympus SZ-12 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-P5 and the SZ-12.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P5 and SZ-12 is 85 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading specs. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P5 and SZ-12.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P5 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-P5 will offer you more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The fresher E-P5 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.