Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic G1

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic G1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the G1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and G1 (Four Thirds) provide different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-12 was revealed 3 years later than the G1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SZ-12 scores vs the G1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic G1 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-12 comes with outer 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 Panasonic G1 has proportions of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") and a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic G1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select during that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ-12 and the G1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and G1 is 89 and 82 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking technical specs. The photograph here should give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and G1.

As you have seen, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-12 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-12 will give you more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more modern SZ-12 provides a benefit in sensor innovation.