Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic G2

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic G2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the G2 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and G2 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-12 was brought out 19 months after the G2 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief view of how the SZ-12 scores vs the G2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic G2 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-12 comes with external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic G2 has sizing of 124mm x 84mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 2.9") with a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic G2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-12 vs the G2.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and G2 is 89 and 72 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions purely by looking at technical specs. The picture below may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-12 and G2.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-12 will resolve greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The fresher SZ-12 will have a benefit in sensor technology.