Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic S1H

Below, we are comparing the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic S1H, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and S1H (24MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and S1H (Full frame) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The SZ-12 was released 8 years earlier than the S1H which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic S1H being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SZ-12 matches up vs the S1H when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic S1H Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 enjoys 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) while the Panasonic S1H has dimensions of 151mm x 114mm x 110mm (5.9" x 4.5" x 4.3") having a weight of 1052 grams (2.32 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic S1H in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-12 compared to the S1H.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and S1H is 89 and 52 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to envision the difference between sensor sizes purely by going over specs. The image below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and S1H.

All in all, each of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic S1H will offer you more detail as a result of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics much more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.