Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic G5

Here is a extensive overview of the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic G5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the G5 (16MP) is very well matched but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and G5 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor size.

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The SZ-12 was unveiled 6 months before the G5 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the SZ-12 matches up versus the G5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic G5 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-12 has got physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic G5 has measurements of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") along with a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic G5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-12 and the G5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and G5 is 89 and 74 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing merely by reading through specs. The photograph below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and G5.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-12 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic G5 will give extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively.