Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung NX5

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus SZ-12 versus Samsung NX5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The SZ-12 was revealed 20 months after the NX5 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SZ-12 scores vs the NX5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Samsung NX5. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-12 comes with 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 NX5 has measurements of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") having a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 versus Samsung NX5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-12 versus the NX5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and NX5 is 89 and 80 respectively.

Often, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor dimensions just by checking a spec sheet. The pic here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-12 and NX5.

Clearly, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 with its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Samsung NX5 will give extra detail because of its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The younger SZ-12 will have a benefit in sensor technology.