Olympus E-PL6 vs Olympus SZ-12

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL6 versus Olympus SZ-12, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is pretty close but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and SZ-12 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL6 was brought out 2 years later than the SZ-12 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-PL6 matches up vs the SZ-12 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Olympus SZ-12. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL6 offers external measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-12 has sizing of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL6 versus Olympus SZ-12 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL6 vs the SZ-12.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL6 and SZ-12 is 88 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing only by researching technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL6 and SZ-12.

As you have seen, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL6 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL6 will result in more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The fresher E-PL6 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.