Olympus SZ-12 vs Olympus SZ-15

Let's take a deeper look at the Olympus SZ-12 and Olympus SZ-15, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and they are both designed by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the SZ-15 (16MP) is relatively similar and both cameras have the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was revealed 17 months earlier than the SZ-15 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ-12 grades versus the SZ-15 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Olympus SZ-15. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Olympus SZ-15 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 comes with outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-15 has dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 and Olympus SZ-15 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ-12 compared to the SZ-15.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and SZ-15 is 89 and 88 respectively.

Normally, its tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing only by reviewing specs. The visual here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and SZ-15.

As you can plainly see, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should count on the Olympus SZ-15 to offer you greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The older SZ-12 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.