Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung CL5

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung CL5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Samsung. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and CL5 (9MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and CL5 (1/2.5") feature different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-12 was released 2 years later than the CL5 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short overview of how the SZ-12 matches up against the CL5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-12 & Samsung CL5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Samsung CL5 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 has external 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 Samsung CL5 has specifications of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") having a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung CL5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-12 vs the CL5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and CL5 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Generally, its tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements just by looking at technical specs. The visual here will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and CL5.

As you have seen, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ-12 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus SZ-12 will give more detail as a result of its extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher SZ-12 should have a benefit in sensor tech.