Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony A290

Following is a complete overview of the Olympus SZ-12 versus Sony A290, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the A290 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-12 was manufactured 20 months after the A290 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SZ-12 scores against the A290 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 enjoys exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony A290 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-12 versus Sony A290 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-12 compared to the A290.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and A290 is 89 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizes just by checking out specifications. The picture here might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and A290.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 provides the smaller sensor which will make getting shallow depth of field tougher. The more recent SZ-12 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.