Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax K-5

On this page, we are comparing the Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax K-5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is very similar but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was manufactured 13 months after the K-5 making them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick overview of how the SZ-12 scores against the K-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-12 & Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 provides outer measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax K-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ-12 compared to the K-5.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and K-5 is 89 and 60 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading specifications. The pic here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-12 and K-5.

Plainly, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Pentax K-5 will offer more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more modern SZ-12 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.