Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony NEX-F3

Here is a extensive assessment of the Olympus SZ-12 and Sony NEX-F3, former being 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-F3 (16MP) is relatively similar but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and NEX-F3 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-12 was released 7 months earlier than the NEX-F3 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-F3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the SZ-12 grades vs the NEX-F3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 & Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera often, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-12 has outer 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 NEX-F3 has sizing of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-12 and Sony NEX-F3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the SZ-12 against the NEX-F3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and NEX-F3 is 89 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading a spec sheet. The photograph here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and NEX-F3.

As you can see, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-12 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony NEX-F3 will offer you greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively. The older SZ-12 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.