Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax K-50

Below is a thorough comparison of the Olympus SZ-12 versus Pentax K-50, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is pretty close but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was introduced 22 months prior to the K-50 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going into a detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SZ-12 grades vs the K-50 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 and Pentax K-50. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Pentax K-50 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-12 provides physical 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 Pentax K-50 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-12 versus Pentax K-50 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-12 and the K-50.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and K-50 is 89 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to see the contrast in sensor measurements only by looking through specifications. The graphic here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and K-50.

To sum up, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ-12 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-50 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older SZ-12 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.