Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic G10

The following is a complete review of the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic G10, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the G10 (12MP) is relatively similar but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and G10 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was announced 18 months after the G10 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short summation of how the SZ-12 scores against the G10 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic G10 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-12 has got exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G10 has sizing of 124mm x 90mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 388 grams (0.86 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic G10 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-12 vs the G10.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and G10 is 89 and 72 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions only by going over specs. The pic underneath will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and G10.

All in all, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Olympus SZ-12 will offer you more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent SZ-12 should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.