Olympus SZ-12 vs. SZ-15: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When you’re eyeing a compact superzoom camera, choosing the right model can be tricky - especially within the same brand family. Olympus’s SZ line offers intriguing options for casual photographers and enthusiasts alike who seek versatility without the bulk of larger interchangeable-lens systems. Today, I’ll share my detailed comparison between two closely related models, the Olympus SZ-12 (announced 2012) and its successor, the SZ-15 (released in 2013). Drawing from extensive hands-on testing and real-world use, we’ll explore how these cameras handle across the entire photographic spectrum, where they shine, and where their compromises lie.

Let’s dive into each aspect - technical specs, ergonomics, performance across key photography types, and overall value - to help you decide which Olympus superzoom suits your needs best.

Size, Handling, and Design: Compactness With a Purpose

Both the SZ-12 and SZ-15 belong to Olympus’s compact small-sensor superzoom category, embracing portability without skimping on a long zoom reach. Here’s where their differences start to show subtly:

The SZ-12 edges out slightly lighter and more compact (226g, 106×69×40mm) than the SZ-15 (250g, 108×70×40mm). This handful difference can matter for travelers or street photographers prioritizing pocketability.

Looking from above, the overall design language remains similar yet refined on the SZ-15:

Notice the SZ-15 offers more manual controls, including shutter and aperture priority modes and a user-accessible manual focus ring - welcome additions for more engaged photographers.

Ergonomically, I found the SZ-15 better suited for users who want to dip their toes into manual exposure and creative control. The SZ-12’s more streamlined and simplified controls may appeal to those who prefer a point-and-shoot experience with minimal fuss.

Sensor, Image Quality & Zoom: The Heart of the Matter

Both models feature a modest 1/2.3” CCD sensor with a physical sensor area of about 28 mm², typical for this class of compact cameras - meaning limited noise control and dynamic range compared to larger models. Yet, the SZ-15 bumps its nominal resolution to 16MP versus the SZ-12’s 14MP, granting a modest boost in detail capture capability.

Though the sensor size barely changed, the SZ-15 brings a better max native ISO (3200 vs. 1600 on the SZ-12) and wider aperture at the wide end (f/2.8 vs. f/3.0). This matters for low-light versatility.

The lens systems paint slightly different pictures:

• SZ-12: 25-600mm (24× zoom equivalent), aperture f/3.0-6.9
• SZ-15: 23-483mm (21× zoom), aperture f/2.8-5.9, plus macro focusing down to 5 cm

Here, the SZ-12 offers a longer zoom reach, skimming nearly 600mm on the telephoto end. However, the SZ-15 trades some reach for a wider aperture at the wide end and marginally faster telephoto aperture, which translates into better low-light capability and image sharpness.

If your priority is absolute zoom length - say for casual wildlife or distant sports - the SZ-12 may slightly edge out. But for more general-purpose shooting and better light gathering, the SZ-15 shines.

Display, Interface & Viewfinding: Making Every Shot Count

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on LCDs for composition and playback.

Both offer a fixed 3” screen with 460k dots resolution - respectable for framing and menu navigation, but not extraordinary.

Menus on the SZ-15 are more customizable and respectful of enthusiast needs, with exposure brackets, white balance controls, and manual focus. The SZ-12’s simpler interface is faster for novices but lacks deeper customization.

Neither model sports a touchscreen - a notable omission in later compact cameras, meaning all navigation is via hardware buttons.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs. Agility

Both models use contrast-detection autofocus systems, typical for compact cameras with fixed lenses.

• SZ-12: Single AF with face detection, no manual focus
• SZ-15: Single AF with face detection, plus manual focus capability

The SZ-15’s manual focus adds creative freedom, especially in macro scenarios or low-light where AF struggles. In real-world testing, both cameras lock focus adequately in good lighting but become noticeably sluggish or 'hunt' in dimmer conditions. Neither handles continuous autofocus tracking in burst mode.

Burst Shooting and Speed: Catching the Action

Burst performance is a big gap here:

• SZ-12: 1 fps continuous shooting (very slow)
• SZ-15: 10 fps continuous shooting (a substantial upgrade!)

The SZ-15 is clearly better suited for sports or wildlife, where capturing fleeting moments matters. Even so, buffer depths and image quality during bursts are limited by internal processing and sensor speed, so don’t expect DSLR-level performance.

Flash and Stabilization: Keeping Shots Sharp

Both cameras feature built-in flashes with multiple modes: Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in (and Slow Sync on SZ-15).

Image stabilization varies:

• SZ-12: Sensor-shift stabilization (optomechanical movement inside)
• SZ-15: Optical stabilization (lens-based)

The practical difference? Both work well enough for shaky hands, but the SZ-15’s optical stabilization system tends to deliver slightly steadier shots, especially at longer focal lengths where handshake is most noticeable.

Video Capabilities: From Family Snaps to YouTube Content

Here’s a significant improvement from SZ-12 to SZ-15:

• SZ-12: Max Full HD 1280×720 at 30 fps, MPEG-4, H.264
• SZ-15: Full HD 1920×1080 at 30 fps, also 720p and slower motion modes (480fps and 240fps at low resolution)

Though neither has microphone input or headphone monitoring, the SZ-15’s ability to shoot in full 1080p and slow motion offers considerable creative freedom for casual videographers. The SZ-12’s video is serviceable for standard clip capture but feels dated in comparison.

Connectivity & Storage: Sharing and Saving

The SZ-12 is a barebones option in connectivity - no Wi-Fi, no GPS, just HDMI and USB 2.0 for transfer.

The SZ-15 adds integrated GPS and built-in wireless for transferring images, a boon for travel shooters who like tagging images and sharing on the fly.

Both utilize SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have a single storage slot - standard fare.

Battery Life and Endurance: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery life on the SZ-12 is rated at about 220 shots per charge using the LI-50B battery pack - a standard rechargeable lithium-ion cell.

The SZ-15 uses the SLB-10A pack, but official battery life ratings are not specified - my testing shows roughly comparable endurance, with some variance depending on shooting conditions and use of wireless features.

Neither model will handle intensive day-long shoots without spare batteries but suits casual use well.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Now, let’s translate these specs into practical insights for specific shooting scenarios.

Portrait Photography

Portraits often hinge on pleasing skin tone rendition, bokeh quality, and reliable eye detection AF.

• SZ-12: Face and eye detection works, but with limited AF points and no manual focus, precise control is lacking. Background blur is modest due to slower apertures and small sensor size.
• SZ-15: Offers more AF points and manual focus, letting you refine focus on eyes or details. Slightly faster lens helps with subject isolation in good light.

Neither camera produces creamy bokeh comparable to larger sensor cameras but both handle natural skin tones fairly well for their class.

My take: If portraits are a priority, SZ-15’s focusing plus aperture advantage gives it the edge.

Landscape Photography

Key features here: resolution, dynamic range, and build reliability for outdoor use.

• Both cameras share the same sensor size with limited dynamic range typical of 1/2.3" sensors - highlight recovery is modest.
• SZ-15’s 16MP resolution captures slightly more detail than SZ-12’s 14MP.
• Neither features weather sealing.
• Macro focusing to 5cm on SZ-15 adds versatility for close-up textures.

Result: SZ-15 nudges ahead in landscape versatility, but neither replaces a larger sensor for truly expansive scenes.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

These genres demand fast AF, high burst rates, and long reach.

• SZ-12’s impressive 600mm zoom is attractive here, but 1 fps burst and slow AF limit its action-shooting potential.
• SZ-15’s 483mm zoom is less extensive but paired with 10 fps burst and better AF options, making it more responsive to fast events.

Neither camera rivals DSLRs or mirrorless systems for rapid wildlife capture, but as a compact, the SZ-15 is more usable for spontaneous shooting.

Street and Travel Photography

Portability, discretion, and flexibility matter most.

• The SZ-12’s lighter and slightly smaller body scores points for discreet street shooting.
• SZ-15 is slightly heavier but packs better manual control and onboard GPS, ideal for travel photo journaling.
• Battery life is similar, but wireless transfers are a convenience plus on the SZ-15.

My recommendation: If you want point-and-shoot ease with a long zoom, SZ-12 is solid; for more control and location tagging, SZ-15 wins.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

Only the SZ-15 specifies a 5cm macro focusing distance - useful for insect or product photography.

Manual focus on SZ-15 lets you fine-tune sharpness at close range, a real advantage given contrast AF limitations.

Night and Astro Photography

At slow shutter speeds and high ISO settings, these cameras are modest performers.

• SZ-15’s wider aperture and higher max ISO (3200) provide a better chance for usable low-light images.
• Neither supports RAW output or advanced noise reduction, limiting editing flexibility.

For casual night shots or cityscapes, SZ-15 again holds a minor edge.

Video Usage

The SZ-15’s Full HD 1080p and slow-motion capabilities make it a significantly more attractive option for video content creators on the go.

Professional Workflow

Neither camera supports RAW shooting or advanced tethering options, making them unsuitable for professional image processing workflows. Their value lies mostly in casual or enthusiast contexts.

Comparing Sample Photos: Image Quality in Action

You can appreciate the SZ-15’s greater detail at base ISO and better clarity on mid-tele shots. The SZ-12 often shows more softness and slightly muted colors, attributable to older sensor technology and lens design.

How Do They Score? Overall Performance and Genre Evaluation

Overall, the SZ-15 holds a moderate edge - better image quality, faster shooting, and richer features justify its higher rating.

Specifically, SZ-15 scores higher in portraits, landscapes, video, and macro. SZ-12 excels slightly on zoom reach and compact street use.

Summing It Up: Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy Which?

Feature	Olympus SZ-12	Olympus SZ-15
Body & Handling	Smaller, lighter, simpler controls	Slightly bigger, manual controls, better ergonomics
Sensor & Image	14MP, ISO up to 1600	16MP, ISO 3200, better low light
Lens & Zoom	25-600mm (24×), slower aperture	23-483mm (21×), faster aperture, macro focus 5cm
Autofocus	Single AF, no manual focus	Single AF + manual focus + better tracking
Burst Rate	1 fps	10 fps
Video	720p max	Full HD 1080p + slow motion
Connectivity	None	Built-in wireless + GPS
Battery Life	~220 shots	Comparable, undocumented
Price (approx.)	$350	$200

Choose the Olympus SZ-12 if:

• You want the longest zoom range in a small, lightweight package
• Simple, straightforward shooting with minimal manual options appeals to you
• You’re on a tighter budget but want a versatile superzoom compact

Choose the Olympus SZ-15 if:

• You desire better image quality and low-light performance
• Manual exposure controls and macro photography matter
• Video capabilities and wireless connectivity enhance your shooting style
• Faster burst shooting helps with action or wildlife

Final Thoughts From My Experience

Between these two, the Olympus SZ-15 decisively upgrades the shooting experience with more control, better imaging, and faster speed while maintaining similar portability. The SZ-12 tends to feel like a more basic, travel-friendly zoom camera suited to casual snapshooters.

If I were packing one today for a weekend getaway focused on versatility and moments - from landscapes and urban exploration to casual portraits and video - the SZ-15 would be my pick for its wider feature set and flexibility.

Conversely, if absolute zoom reach within a smaller pocketable form factor is your priority, the SZ-12 still deserves consideration despite its slower speed and simpler tech.

Selecting between these two superzooms ultimately depends on your photographic priorities. Whether you lean toward convenience and reach (SZ-12) or control and image quality (SZ-15), Olympus offers solid options in this niche.

Hope this detailed, hands-on rundown helps clarify your choice. Got questions or want me to test specific features? Just ask!

Happy shooting!