Olympus SZ-12 vs Ricoh GR

Its time to look more in depth at the Olympus SZ-12 versus Ricoh GR, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the GR (16MP) is pretty comparable but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and GR (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-12 was unveiled 15 months prior to the GR which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SZ-12 matches up vs the GR with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 & Ricoh GR. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Ricoh GR Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 features physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Ricoh GR has dimensions of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-12 versus Ricoh GR in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ-12 compared to the GR.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and GR is 89 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizes only by seeing technical specs. The pic here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and GR.

As you have seen, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Ricoh GR will produce more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 will be behind in sensor innovation.