Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus SZ-12

Following is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus SZ-12, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-12 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM1 was unveiled very close to the SZ-12 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-PM1 grades against the SZ-12 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Olympus SZ-12. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 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).

See the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus SZ-12 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PM1 vs the SZ-12.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and SZ-12 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes simply by going through specifications. The pic below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and SZ-12.

Plainly, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PM1 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SZ-12 will produce greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively.