Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony NEX-C3

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus SZ-12 versus Sony NEX-C3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the NEX-C3 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and NEX-C3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-12 was released 5 months after the NEX-C3 so they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the SZ-12 matches up versus the NEX-C3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 & Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 offers outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-C3 has dimensions of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-12 versus Sony NEX-C3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-12 against the NEX-C3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and NEX-C3 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes just by seeing technical specs. The image underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and NEX-C3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony NEX-C3 will provide more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively.