Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung NX3000

Let's look more in depth at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung NX3000, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Samsung. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and NX3000 (20MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and NX3000 (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

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The SZ-12 was released 3 years before the NX3000 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX3000 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SZ-12 matches up against the NX3000 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 & Samsung NX3000. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Samsung NX3000 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 has 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 Samsung NX3000 has dimensions of 117mm x 66mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung NX3000 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SZ-12 compared to the NX3000.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and NX3000 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions simply by going through technical specs. The picture below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-12 and NX3000.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Samsung NX3000 will provide more detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.