Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung NX500

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung NX500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Samsung. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and NX500 (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-12 was brought out 4 years prior to the NX500 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SZ-12 matches up against the NX500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 and Samsung NX500. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-12 enjoys external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Samsung NX500 has proportions of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-12 vs Samsung NX500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the SZ-12 compared to the NX500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and NX500 is 89 and 87 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to see the gap in sensor dimensions merely by going through technical specs. The image below will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-12 and NX500.

As you have seen, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX500 will provide more detail having its extra 14MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 will be behind in sensor tech.