Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax K-500

Below, we are matching up the Olympus SZ-12 versus Pentax K-500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is very well matched but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was manufactured 22 months prior to the K-500 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SZ-12 grades vs the K-500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-12 and Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-12 has outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-12 versus Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-12 versus the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and K-500 is 89 and 64 respectively.

Often, its tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes merely by looking at technical specs. The pic underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and K-500.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Pentax K-500 will give you more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.