Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax Q7

In this article, we are comparing the Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax Q7, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the Q7 (12MP) is very close but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and Q7 (1/1.7") feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was announced 19 months earlier than the Q7 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a brief view of how the SZ-12 grades vs the Q7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-12 & Pentax Q7. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Pentax Q7 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-12 features outer measurements 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 Q7 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax Q7 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that moment. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the SZ-12 versus the Q7.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and Q7 is 89 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to envision the gap in sensor measurements only by viewing technical specs. The visual below will give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and Q7.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-12 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Olympus SZ-12 will render greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older SZ-12 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.