Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax Q

Below is a in depth overview of the Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax Q, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the Q (12MP) is pretty well matched and they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-12 was manufactured 7 months later than the Q which means that they are both of a similar age. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise view of how the SZ-12 matches up vs the Q in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 & Pentax Q. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Pentax Q Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. 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) whilst the Pentax Q has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") having a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax Q in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-12 and the Q.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and Q is 89 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking specs. The photograph here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and Q.

All in all, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Olympus SZ-12 to give extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer SZ-12 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.