Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung NX210

On this page, we are comparing the Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung NX210, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Samsung. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and NX210 (20MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and NX210 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was revealed 7 months before the NX210 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX210 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SZ-12 grades vs the NX210 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-12 and Samsung NX210. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Samsung NX210 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 has outside measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Samsung NX210 has dimensions of 117mm x 63mm x 37mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 222 grams (0.49 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung NX210 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SZ-12 versus the NX210.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and NX210 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions purely by checking out technical specs. The pic below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and NX210.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh trickier and the Samsung NX210 will produce greater detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.