Olympus SZ-12 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro

Following is a in-depth review of the Olympus SZ-12 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sigma. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and DP2 Quattro (20MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and DP2 Quattro (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SZ-12 was manufactured 3 years earlier than the DP2 Quattro which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Quattro being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief view of how the SZ-12 scores versus the DP2 Quattro in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-12 and Sigma DP2 Quattro. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Sigma DP2 Quattro Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 provides 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) and the Sigma DP2 Quattro has specifications of 161mm x 67mm x 82mm (6.3" x 2.6" x 3.2") and a weight of 395 grams (0.87 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-12 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-12 compared to the DP2 Quattro.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and DP2 Quattro is 89 and 70 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes simply by viewing a spec sheet. The pic below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and DP2 Quattro.

Clearly, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 because of its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh trickier and the Sigma DP2 Quattro will result in more detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.