Olympus SZ-12 vs Olympus 1

Here, we are comparing the Olympus SZ-12 and Olympus 1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and both of them are offered by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the 1 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and 1 (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was launched 22 months earlier than the 1 making them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SZ-12 grades vs the 1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-12 & Olympus Stylus 1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Olympus 1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera often, you should think about its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 has got outer 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 1 has specifications of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 and Olympus 1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-12 versus the 1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and 1 is 89 and 79 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions purely by seeing specs. The picture below will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and 1.

All in all, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus SZ-12 will show extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.