Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic GF6

Its time to look closer at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic GF6, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the GF6 (16MP) is pretty similar but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and GF6 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was introduced 15 months before the GF6 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SZ-12 grades vs the GF6 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Panasonic GF6 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 enjoys exterior measurements 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 GF6 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 323 grams (0.71 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic GF6 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you select at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SZ-12 vs the GF6.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and GF6 is 89 and 87 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to envision the difference between sensor sizes only by reviewing specifications. The pic here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-12 and GF6.

To sum up, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GF6 will offer greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.