Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony H55

Following is a in-depth overview of the Olympus SZ-12 and Sony H55, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the H55 (14MP) is very well matched and they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ-12 was launched 20 months after the H55 making the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SZ-12 scores against the H55 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-12 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Sony H55 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 has physical 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 H55 has specifications of 103mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 and Sony H55 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-12 vs the H55.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and H55 is 89 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading through specs. The picture below should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and H55.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the same MP so you can expect similar quality of photos though you would want to consider the age of the products into consideration. The younger SZ-12 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.