Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic LX5

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic LX5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and LX5 (10MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") boast different sensor size.

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The SZ-12 was manufactured about the same time to the LX5 and they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short view of how the SZ-12 grades against the LX5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-12 features outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LX5 has sizing of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic LX5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ-12 against the LX5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and LX5 is 89 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizes simply by seeing specs. The pic below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and LX5.

All in all, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus SZ-12 will produce extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively.