Olympus SZ-10 vs Sony A99

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus SZ-10 and Sony A99, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the SZ-10 (14MP) and A99 (24MP) and the SZ-10 (1/2.3") and A99 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-10 was released 22 months before the A99 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SZ-10 grades versus the A99 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-10 and Sony SLT-A99. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-10 Gallery and Sony A99 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-10 offers outer measurements of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Sony A99 has measurements of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-10 and Sony A99 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the SZ-10 vs the A99.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-10 and A99 is 90 and 57 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to see the difference between sensor measurements just by looking at specifications. The graphic below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-10 and A99.

Plainly, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ-10 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony A99 will give you extra detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The older SZ-10 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.