Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony A390

Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A390: An In-Depth Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Selecting a camera that aligns with your photographic aspirations demands a meticulous examination of technical parameters, real-world usability, and long-term value. Here, we dissect two markedly different cameras: the Olympus SZ-12, a small sensor superzoom compact announced in early 2012, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390, an entry-level DSLR launched in mid-2010. Both machines target imaging enthusiasts but from starkly contrasting approaches - one emphasizing portability and extended zoom, the other prioritizing sensor quality and manual control. This comparative study taps into hands-on experience and rigorous technical analysis to unravel which model suits various photographic genres, user expertise levels, and workflow requirements.

Grasping the Physical Presence and Ergonomics

While image quality and features often dominate conversation, the physical interface profoundly impacts day-to-day shooting comfort and prolonged use.

The Olympus SZ-12 is a compact camera featuring a fixed lens and a body dimension of 106 x 69 x 40 mm, weighing only 226 grams. Its petite stature lends itself to extreme portability, easily slipping into pockets or small bags without burden. The SZ-12 has a fixed TFT color LCD screen of 3 inches with a modest 460-pixel resolution. However, the absence of an electronic or optical viewfinder constrains its usability in bright conditions or for users preferring stabilized framing through viewfinders.

Conversely, the Sony A390 is a compact SLR-style body measuring 128 x 97 x 86 mm, weighing 549 grams. This mirrors the bulk typically associated with entry-level DSLRs, offering substantial handgrip and a classic SLR feel. It incorporates a 2.7-inch tilting screen (230K pixels) and an optical pentamirror viewfinder with ~95% coverage and 0.49x magnification, which is a considerable advantage for outdoor or bright-light shooting, where LCD visibility diminishes.

Ergonomic Assessment:

• Olympus SZ-12: Ultra-compact, minimal hand fatigue, but sacrifices tactile controls for size; no viewfinder leads to eye strain under harsh lighting.

• Sony A390: Heavier but ergonomically designed for extended shoots; pentamirror viewfinder aids composition and manual focusing precision.

The trade-off here is portability versus traditional handling and framing tools - a critical consideration depending on shooting style and environment.

Exploring Sensor Technologies and Image Quality Potential

At the heart of any camera lies the sensor, dictating the fundamental image quality ceiling.

• Olympus SZ-12 employs a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an active area of approximately 28.07 mm², rendering 14 megapixels of resolution at 4288 x 3216 pixels. Its native ISO range spans 80-1600, but it lacks RAW file support, limiting post-processing flexibility.

• Sony A390, by contrast, houses a significantly larger APS-C sized 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD sensor (368.95 mm²), also at 14 megapixels (4592 x 3056 pixels), with ISO from 100 to 3200 and explicit RAW capability. This sensor size difference profoundly influences dynamic range, noise performance, and depth of field rendering.

Technical Implications:

• The APS-C sensor of the Sony A390, more than 13x the area of the Olympus sensor, offers superior light-gathering capacity. This translates to enhanced low-light performance, better tonal gradation, and finer detail retention, particularly noticeable in shadows and highlights.

• The smaller 1/2.3" sensor in the SZ-12 inherently limits dynamic range and elevates noise at higher ISOs, exacerbated by the absence of RAW output, which restricts recovery in post-processing.

Practical Testing Insights:

• In controlled daylight testing, SZ-12 images tend to exhibit early signs of noise above ISO 400, with some softness in fine details due to sensor and lens limitations.

• The A390 excels in noise control up to ISO 1600 and maintains usable image quality even at ISO 3200, thanks to its larger sensor and better processing pipeline (Bionz). RAW support enables significant latitude for photographers comfortable with post-shoot editing.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Versatility Meets Optics

Lens versatility is pivotal for capturing a broad spectrum of photographic subjects.

The Olympus SZ-12 base strength lies in its extraordinary superzoom lens: a fixed 25-600 mm equivalent (~24x zoom) with a max aperture range of f/3.0–6.9, delivering extensive telephoto reach. This design favors travel, wildlife, and event photography where reach trumps optical refinement.

In contrast, the Sony A390 features interchangeable lenses compatible with the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, currently boasting a lens ecosystem of over 140 designs ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto. The more critical advantage is the ability to pair high-quality primes and zooms tailored to genres like portrait, macro, sports, and landscapes, maximizing image quality and creative control.

Real-world Considerations:

• SZ-12’s superzoom lens compromises aperture range, making low-light shooting at long telephoto ends challenging due to narrow apertures and slower shutter speeds. Optical quality at extreme zoom is adequate but not exceptional, prone to softness and chromatic aberrations.

• With the Sony system, lens choice is governed by your budget and need. For example, a 50mm f/1.8 prime offers excellent portrait bokeh, while tele-zooms with image stabilization significantly enhance wildlife and sports shooting.

Autofocus Systems and Low-Light Performance

Autofocus precision and speed critically influence usability across disciplines.

• The Olympus SZ-12 employs contrast-detection AF with face detection and fixed area selection - a single AF mode limiting overall focus flexibility. It supports AF tracking but lacks continuous AF during burst shooting. Focus speed is moderate, adequate for static subjects.

• The Sony A390 integrates a phase-detection AF system with 9 focus points, enhancing acquisition speed and tracking capability, complemented by contrast detection in live view mode. It supports single, continuous AF, selective focus area choice, and face detection.

Testing in varied lighting:

• SZ-12’s AF can struggle in dim conditions, especially at telephoto, due to narrow apertures and limited AF point sophistication.

• The A390, leveraging phase-detection, maintains more consistent focus locks under low light and moving subjects up to moderate speeds, beneficial for sports and wildlife.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera includes explicit environmental sealing, dustproofing, waterproofing, or freeze-proofing features. However, their build quality differs substantially.

• The SZ-12 uses lightweight plastic composites focused on mobility rather than ruggedness.

• The Sony A390 features a more robust polycarbonate body on a metal chassis, delivering improved structural integrity for demanding conditions. Battery life is marginally better on Sony’s NP-FH50 pack (approx. 230 shots) compared to Olympus’s LI-50B (circa 220 shots).

Interface, Controls, and User Experience

Navigation and control schemes dictate operational fluidity. The SZ-12, designed for straightforward point-and-shoot use, lacks manual exposure modes (no aperture or shutter priority) and manual focus, limiting advanced user intervention. Its control layout is simplified; however, the lack of illuminated buttons and minimal customization options curtail usability in diverse conditions.

The A390’s DSLR ergonomics present dedicated dials and buttons for shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and manual modes. While not as feature-rich as higher-end models, this level of control is significant for enthusiasts seeking creative precision. The tilting LCD screen facilitates shooting from awkward angles - although modest resolution may not suffice for critical focus checking.

Specialization Across Photography Genres

This camera comparison wouldn't be complete without addressing how each system tackles specific photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• SZ-12: Face detection autofocus aids framing, but narrow aperture range and small sensor constrain shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh. Color rendition is acceptable but less nuanced due to limited dynamic range.

• Sony A390: Larger sensor and lens flexibility allow true subject-background separation, enhanced skin tone gradation, and manual focus for critical eye sharpness. RAW capture enables post-capture skin tone adjustments.

Landscape Photography

• SZ-12 offers a versatile zoom for framing but modest sensor size limits resolution and dynamic range, thus impairing shadow and highlight detail in challenging lighting.

• Sony A390’s APS-C sensor delivers superior dynamic range and resolution, facilitating large prints and extensive post-processing flexibility.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• SZ-12’s 24x zoom offers reach but suffers autofocus lag and slow continuous shooting rates (1 fps), inadequate for fast-paced action.

• Sony A390 with dedicated telephoto lenses and 3 fps burst mode with phase AF is better suited, though not ideal for professional sports where higher fps DSLRs excel.

Street Photography

• SZ-12 wins on portability and discretion, important for candid shooting; however, slow AF may miss decisive moments.

• Sony A390 is bulkier, which may attract attention, but manual controls empower expressive exposure and focus interpretation.

Macro Photography

• Neither camera is optimized for macro; SZ-12 lacks close focusing data, and A390 relies on lens choices with macro capability.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony A390’s higher ISO capabilities and manual exposure options make it the superior candidate for low-light and astrophotography.

• SZ-12’s limited ISO and exposure control restrict such applications markedly.

Video Capabilities

• SZ-12 supports 720p HD at 30fps with H.264 compression; adequate for casual use but limited in frame rates and resolution.

• Sony A390 lacks video recording functionality entirely, a notable omission considering its DSLR platform.

Travel Photography

• SZ-12’s compact size, ample zoom, and image stabilization make it highly convenient for travel where packing light is essential.

• Sony A390 demands more space and weight but rewards with image quality and creative control.

Professional Workflows

• Sony supports RAW capture, broad lens system, and robust manual controls, integral for professional workflows.

• Olympus SZ-12’s JPEG-only output and simplified features are ill-suited for professional use.

Connectivity, Storage, and Power Management

Both cameras rely on USB 2.0 and HDMI output for file transfer and tethered connection. Neither offers wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, a growing expectation in current camera models.

Storage uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards on SZ-12 and SD/SDHC plus Memory Stick Pro Duo on Sony A390, broadening the flexibility for users invested in Sony’s ecosystem.

Battery life is comparable, roughly 220-230 shots per charge under standard CIPA testing conditions, underscoring a need for spare batteries on extensive shoots.

Price Versus Performance: An Analytical Overview

• The Olympus SZ-12, priced approximately at $350, offers excellent value for casual shooters prioritizing zoom reach and compactness.

• Sony A390’s $500 price reflects its DSLR architecture, superior sensor size, manual controls, and RAW support - features highly prized by enthusiasts and semi-professionals.

Final Recommendations Tailored to User Profiles

For Casual Photographers and Travel Enthusiasts:
The Olympus SZ-12 stands out due to its compact form factor and extensive zoom capabilities. Ideal for users who prefer straightforward operation and value telephoto versatility over image quality precision. Its generous zoom suits wildlife glimpses and event snapshots, but expect limited creative control and lower image quality.

For Enthusiasts and Aspiring Professionals:
The Sony A390, while bulkier, provides a traditional DSLR experience with substantial manual control, superior image quality, and lens interchangeability. It is a capable workhorse for portrait, landscape, and controlled action photography where sensor size and dynamic range are paramount.

For Specialized Photography Needs:

• Low-light, night, and astro shooters should prefer Sony due to better high ISO tolerance and exposure control.
• Sports and wildlife photographers will find Sony’s autofocus system and lens support more reliable, although higher-end DSLRs are recommended for serious pursuits.
• Street photographers valuing discretion might lean toward the SZ-12’s portability despite focusing limitations.

Conclusion

Selecting between the Olympus SZ-12 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 boils down to a fundamental choice between portability with fixed superzoom convenience versus traditional DSLR image quality and creative latitude. Both cameras fulfill very different photographic philosophies and user expectations. The SZ-12 offers ease and flexibility in zoom ranges; the A390 delivers technical superiority in sensor performance, manual control, and system expandability.

This comparative analysis underscores the importance of aligning camera features with your individual photographic goals, workflow demands, and shooting environments. Informed by extensive hands-on testing and industry-standard performance metrics, photographers can confidently pinpoint which model complements their craft - balancing both immediate usability and long-term satisfaction.

For further visual references, sample images from both cameras illustrating color rendition, detail, and zoom capabilities can be viewed below.

Olympus SZ 12 front Olympus SZ 12 screen back Sony A390 screen back