Olympus SZ-12 vs Ricoh GR Digital III

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-12 vs Ricoh GR Digital III, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Ricoh. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and GR Digital III (10MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and GR Digital III (1/1.7") possess different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-12 was introduced 2 years later than the GR Digital III and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the SZ-12 grades versus the GR Digital III with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Ricoh GR Digital III. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 comes with physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Ricoh GR Digital III has specifications of 109mm x 59mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Ricoh GR Digital III in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-12 against the GR Digital III.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and GR Digital III is 89 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements merely by reading technical specs. The photograph here will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and GR Digital III.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-12 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Olympus SZ-12 will deliver greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more modern SZ-12 should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.