Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony A350

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SZ-12 versus Sony A350, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the A350 (14MP) is pretty close but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and A350 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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

The SZ-12 was introduced 3 years later than the A350 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Sony A350 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SZ-12 scores vs the A350 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A350. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Sony A350 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 has outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony A350 has dimensions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 674 grams (1.49 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-12 versus Sony A350 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ-12 and the A350.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and A350 is 89 and 62 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements simply by looking through specifications. The visual underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and A350.

Plainly, both cameras offer the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SZ-12 features the smaller sensor which will make getting shallow DOF tougher. The more modern SZ-12 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.