Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic GX9

Here is a complete analysis of the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic GX9, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and GX9 (20MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and GX9 (Four Thirds) use different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was launched 7 years prior to the GX9 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short overview of how the SZ-12 scores versus the GX9 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 & Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Panasonic GX9 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-12 has got outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic GX9 has proportions of 124mm x 72mm x 47mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.9") with a weight of 407 grams (0.90 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic GX9 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the SZ-12 against the GX9.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and GX9 is 89 and 82 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and GX9.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-12 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic GX9 will give greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older SZ-12 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.