Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony A500

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony A500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the A500 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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

The SZ-12 was revealed 2 years after the A500 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summation of how the SZ-12 grades versus the A500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-12 comes with exterior dimensions 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 Sony A500 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony A500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ-12 vs the A500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and A500 is 89 and 63 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions merely by going through technical specs. The pic here may provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and A500.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Olympus SZ-12 will produce more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more modern SZ-12 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.