Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic GX1

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic GX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the GX1 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and GX1 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-12 was manufactured very close to the GX1 so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the SZ-12 grades against the GX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Panasonic GX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 enjoys outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GX1 has specifications of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic GX1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-12 vs the GX1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and GX1 is 89 and 87 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to see the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through technical specs. The graphic below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and GX1.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-12 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic GX1 will give more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a little more aggressively.