Olympus SZ-12 vs Olympus TG-4

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus SZ-12 versus Olympus TG-4, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof and they are both manufactured by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the TG-4 (16MP) is relatively well matched and they feature the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was announced 4 years earlier than the TG-4 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the SZ-12 scores versus the TG-4 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Olympus Tough TG-4. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Olympus TG-4 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 enjoys outside measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Olympus TG-4 has dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") and a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 versus Olympus TG-4 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the SZ-12 vs the TG-4.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and TG-4 is 89 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements just by looking at specs. The visual below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-12 and TG-4.

All in all, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Olympus TG-4 to give you more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older SZ-12 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.