Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic ZR1

Following is a extensive analysis of the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic ZR1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the ZR1 (12MP) is relatively comparable and they feature the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-12 was introduced 2 years after the ZR1 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-12 matches up versus the ZR1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera often, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-12 comes with external dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic ZR1 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic ZR1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-12 against the ZR1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and ZR1 is 89 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes merely by going through specifications. The pic here might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and ZR1.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should count on the Olympus SZ-12 to produce greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The younger SZ-12 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.