Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony A560

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus SZ-12 versus Sony A560, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the A560 (14MP) is relatively close but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and A560 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was manufactured 17 months later than the A560 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Sony A560 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SZ-12 matches up versus the A560 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A560. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Sony A560 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-12 comes with outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony A560 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-12 versus Sony A560 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-12 and the A560.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and A560 is 89 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to visualize the gap in sensor measurements simply by researching specifications. The graphic underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and A560.

Plainly, both of the cameras posses the exact same megapixel count albeit different sensor measurements. The SZ-12 has got the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow depth of field more difficult. The newer SZ-12 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.