Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax K100D S

Let's look a bit more closely at the Olympus SZ-12 and Pentax K100D S, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and K100D S (6MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and K100D S (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-12 was unveiled 4 years later than the K100D S and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the SZ-12 grades vs the K100D S in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 and Pentax K100D Super. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Pentax K100D S Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-12 offers external 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) and the Pentax K100D S has proportions of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") along with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-12 and Pentax K100D S in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-12 compared to the K100D S.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and K100D S is 89 and 65 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing merely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and K100D S.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-12 having a tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh tougher and the Olympus SZ-12 will deliver more detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The fresher SZ-12 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.