Olympus SZ-12 vs Olympus TG-860

Following is a in depth overview of the Olympus SZ-12 versus Olympus TG-860, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof and both are designed by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the TG-860 (16MP) is relatively close and they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-12 was launched 4 years prior to the TG-860 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SZ-12 matches up vs the TG-860 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Olympus TG-860 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 has external dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Olympus TG-860 has specifications of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-12 versus Olympus TG-860 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-12 and the TG-860.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and TG-860 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes purely by researching specifications. The pic below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and TG-860.

Plainly, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Olympus TG-860 to result in more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.