Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony HX99: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

When diving into the realm of small sensor superzoom cameras, it’s easy to get dazzled by specs sheets full of numbers. Having tested hundreds of cameras in this category, I know firsthand how important it is to cut through the marketing gloss and focus on what actually matters in everyday shooting. Today, we’re pitting two distinctly different members of this niche against each other: the 2012 Olympus SZ-12 and the 2018 Sony Cyber-shot HX99. Both pack serious zoom reach and compactness, but they approach photography and user experience with contrasting philosophies that will influence who each is best suited for.

Over the course of this detailed comparison, I’ll draw on hands-on usage, technical insights, and real-world practicality to help you understand where these cameras shine - and where they stumble. Whether you’re a casual snapshooter, a travel junkie, or someone aiming for more creative control on a budget, by the end of this article you’ll have a clear picture of which model deserves your attention.

Let’s get right into the thick of it.

Compactness and Ergonomics: Size Matters After All

There’s a reason I start with size and handling - you’re going to carry these tiny powerhouses around, sometimes for hours or days, so comfort matters a lot more than you might expect.

The Olympus SZ-12 features a modestly chunky design typical of its era: a compact body measuring 106 x 69 x 40 mm and weighing in at 226 grams. The Sony HX99, though slightly lighter at 242 grams, is physically smaller with a sleeker 102 x 58 x 36 mm profile - a testament to half a decade’s evolution in miniaturization.

Holding them side by side, the SZ-12 evokes an old-school feel with a bit more bulk and heft - which can be a blessing or a curse depending on hand size and grip preferences. It lacks any dedicated thumb rests or textured grips, making long handheld shooting feel a bit precarious if you have larger hands. The HX99’s smoother, narrower shape and integrated thumb pad feel more modern and thoughtful, noting Sony’s trend to refine ergonomics in compact zooms.

That said, neither camera caters specifically to the “clubs for thumbs” crowd, so don’t expect DSLR-like grip stability - you’re trading off handling for portability here.

Bottom line: If pocketability and lightweight design are priorities, the Sony HX99 edges ahead. The SZ-12 is still manageable but feels bulkier for its category.

Top-Deck Controls and User Interaction: Where Convenience Meets Control

Ergonomics extend beyond size to how a camera’s primary control surfaces are laid out: buttons, dials, and menus all factor heavily into shooting enjoyment and efficiency.

Olympus’s SZ-12 offers a straightforward control scheme - its top plate is uncluttered and minimal, probably designed with casual users in mind. You get a power button, shutter release ring, zoom toggle, plus a few buttons for flash, macro and movie modes - but otherwise it lacks dedicated dials for aperture or shutter control.

In contrast, the Sony HX99 offers a more nuanced interface. Sony equips it with a mode dial, playback, and custom buttons arranged for quick one-thumb access, plus a pop-up electronic viewfinder button hiding on the side.

The HX99’s tilting, touch-sensitive rear screen complements this by allowing quick changes in settings, focus point selection, and menu navigation - a feature the fixed, lower-resolution TFT screen of the SZ-12 simply cannot match.

If you prefer clean simplicity and “point-and-shoot” ease, Olympus’s approach will feel familiar. However, for those who want more control in a compact shell - and faster access to creative modes and exposure adjustments - the Sony’s design wins hands down.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pixels, Noise, and Dynamic Range

Spec sheets for both cameras identify a 1/2.3-inch sensor size, but the devil is always in the details regarding sensor technology, resolution, and the resulting image quality and in-camera processing.

The Olympus SZ-12 packs a 14-megapixel CCD sensor, common for compact zoomers of its time, while the Sony HX99 offers an 18-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor. Beyond the megapixel count, BSI CMOS sensors provide better light-gathering efficiency and improved noise performance at higher ISOs - a notable advantage for night shots or indoors.

After extensive side-by-side shooting, I observed the Sony’s images consistently displaying crisper detail with more nuanced color depth, particularly in shadow recovery and highlight retention. Olympus’s CCD sensor shows a tendency for softer edges and more pronounced noise past ISO 400, which manifests as grain and chroma blurring, limiting practical low-light use.

Both cameras employ an anti-aliasing filter, which helps prevent moiré but slightly affects sharpness. However, Sony’s advanced sensor and processing pipeline result in better overall dynamic range and cleaner files - all the more impressive considering both use relatively small sensors.

Here’s the kicker: Raw file support is reserved for the Sony HX99, allowing for much greater post-processing flexibility, whereas Olympus users are limited to JPEGs out of the camera - a critical limitation for pros or enthusiasts who want to tweak exposure and colors later.

Rear Screen and Viewfinder: Seeing Your Shot

For composition and playback, the rear LCD and viewfinder quality are paramount.

The Olympus SZ-12 has a fixed 3-inch LCD with a modest 460k-dot resolution and no touchscreen functionality. It’s serviceable in good light but can feel sluggish when navigating menus or framing in bright conditions.

The Sony HX99’s rear screen steps it up with a 3-inch 921k-dot articulating touchscreen, allowing both rich detail and versatile angles for high or low shooting positions. Touch focus and touch-to-shoot capabilities streamline operation significantly.

Further, Sony packs in a pop-up electronic viewfinder with 638k-dot resolution, offering 100% coverage and roughly 0.5x magnification. Having this viewfinder - especially under bright sunlight - is a massive usability upgrade over the SZ-12’s lack of any finder, forcing sole reliance on the LCD.

For those who often shoot outdoors or want more precise composition tools, the HX99’s screen and finder combo presents a far more effective setup.

Zoom Lens Performance: Reach, Sharpness, and Aperture

What truly defines these superzooms is their lens prowess - their focal length range, aperture speed, and image quality throughout the zoom spectrum.

The SZ-12’s lens specs read 25-600mm equivalent focal length with a 24x zoom. Its aperture ranges from F3.0 at wide angle to F6.9 at telephoto - typical for superzooms, but still quite slow at the long end. In my testing, sharpness is decent at wide settings but noticeably softens beyond 400mm, with visible chromatic aberrations and distortion creeping in.

On the other hand, Sony HX99 offers an even longer 24-720mm equivalent (30x zoom) with an aperture from F3.5-6.4, marginally faster at the telephoto end. Here, optical stabilisation really comes to the rescue. The HX99’s lens yields sharper images across the zoom range, with better distortion control and less chromatic aberration - helping maintain image clarity on those super long reach shots.

Further, Sony’s minimum focusing distance of 5cm aids macro shooting - one advantage the Olympus lacks.

Autofocus and Speed: Not Just Snapping but Tracking

For anyone shooting moving subjects - sports, wildlife, or street photography - autofocus (AF) speed and tracking are deal-makers or breakers.

The Olympus SZ-12’s contrast-detection AF system is pretty rudimentary. It offers only single AF mode with face detection and multi-area focusing. Continuous AF and significant subject tracking are sadly missing. In my experience, this leads to slow lock-on times - sometimes over a second - and hunting in low contrast or low light, making it tough to reliably capture quick action or fleeting street moments.

With the Sony HX99, however, we have a much more sophisticated AF setup with continuous AF, face detection, selective AF point selection, and multi-area AF. Although Sony doesn’t employ phase-detection AF on this model, the contrast-detection system is more refined and paired with faster processing. Continuous focus tracking is fluid with fewer missed shots of moving subjects.

Olympus SZ 12 front Olympus SZ 12 screen back Sony HX99 front Sony HX99 screen back

Additionally, the HX99 clocks an impressive 10 frames per second (fps) burst shooting, quite fast for a compact zoom, making it well suited for wildlife, sports, or decisive street shooting. The SZ-12, by comparison, barely manages 1 fps, turning it more into a casual snapshot rather than an action tool.

Video Features: Beyond Still Images

In the age of hybrid content creation, video capabilities can’t be an afterthought.

The SZ-12 offers basic HD video recording at 720p/30fps, supporting MPEG-4 and H.264 compression. This is adequate for casual clips but lacks any advanced controls. Sound is captured with a fixed mic; there’s no input for an external microphone or headphones.

The Sony HX99 takes a big leap with 4K UHD video recording at 30p and 24p. It also supports Full HD at up to 120fps for slow motion. Video codecs include AVCHD and XAVC S, which allow higher bitrates and better image quality. The HX99 lacks external mic and headphone jacks, which is a shame for serious vloggers but is common in this size class.

Image stabilization on both cameras aids in video smoothness, with Sony’s steady shot technology providing a noticeable edge in stabilizing handheld footage.

For casual videography and travel vlogging, the HX99 is clearly the more capable option, while the SZ-12 remains a basic quick snapper for video.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will It Last?

Nothing kills a photo shoot faster than a dead battery or a complicated storage scheme.

The Olympus SZ-12 uses a LI-50B rechargeable battery with an approximate rating of 220 shots per charge. This is quite modest and likely to cause frustration on longer outings without spares or charging opportunities, especially considering the older battery technology.

Sony’s HX99 employs the NP-BX1 battery and jumps to around 360 shots per charge - about 60% more endurance. While not world-beating, this is much more practical for travel or day-long shooting sessions.

Both cameras rely on a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, but the HX99 also supports Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Duo format - though I wouldn’t call this a major selling point.

Connectivity and Extras: Sharing Made Easier?

Connectivity is a critical feature in today’s connected world. Surprisingly, the SZ-12 lacks any kind of wireless features - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. You have to rely on cables and manual file transfers.

The Sony HX99, meanwhile, offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing easy image transfers to smartphones or remote camera control via Sony’s app. This is a real boon for social media enthusiasts or anyone wanting quick sharing.

Other notable features on the HX99 include an integrated pop-up electronic viewfinder and a tilting touchscreen, none of which are present on the SZ-12.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Ready for Adventure?

Neither the Olympus SZ-12 nor the Sony HX99 offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or other ruggedness features. For outdoor photographers who shoot in less-than-ideal conditions, this is a point worth considering.

Both cameras require careful handling in the rain or dusty environments. Neither is shockproof or freeze-proof.

What About Different Photography Genres?

To put all the above into perspective, I evaluated both cameras’ suitability across major photography disciplines. The results show clear strengths and trade-offs:

Portraits:

• Sony HX99 wins for facial recognition, eye detection, better rear screen and viewfinder aiding composition, plus support for raw. The SZ-12’s touchless operation and lack of raw hinder portrait creativity.

Landscapes:

• Both have superzoom versatility, but the Sony’s higher resolution allows for more cropping and detail. Neither has weather sealing - a downside compared to rugged competitors.

Wildlife:

• The HX99’s fast AF and 10fps burst, plus longer zoom, make it a better companion for casual wildlife photography. SZ-12 is a poor choice here.

Sports:

• Again, Sony’s continuous AF and burst shooting offer a leg up. Olympus’s 1fps is barely adequate.

Street:

• SZ-12’s bulkier design and lack of silent shutter modes make it less ideal. HX99’s compactness, stealthy EVF, and faster focusing serve street shooters better.

Macro:

• Sony wins due to 5cm focusing minimum distance. Olympus lacks dedicated macro support.

Night/Astro:

• Sensor technology puts Sony well ahead, capable of cleaner high ISO images. Neither camera is ideal for advanced astrophotography but the HX99 makes casual night shooting more viable.

Video:

• Clear lead to Sony with 4K UHD and more codec options.

Travel:

• Sony’s smaller size, longer battery life, tilt screen, Wi-Fi, and bigger zoom advantage make it a better all-round travel companion.

Professional:

• Neither camera meets high-end professional demands but the HX99’s raw support and greater control improve its appeal to enthusiasts.

Summing Up the Strengths and Weaknesses

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each camera based on my direct hands-on experience.

Olympus SZ-12

Pros:

• Solid 24x zoom with F3.0 aperture wide-angle
• Simple, no-frills interface for casual shooters
• Decent image stabilization for handheld shots
• Lightweight and pocketable for its time

Cons:

• Outdated CCD sensor and lower resolution (14MP)
• No raw shooting or manual exposure controls
• Slow autofocus and very limited burst rate (1fps)
• Fixed low-res LCD, no viewfinder
• Short battery life (~220 shots)
• No wireless connectivity or touchscreen
• No weather resistance or rugged build

Sony HX99

Pros:

• 30x zoom covering 24-720mm equivalent
• 18MP BSI-CMOS sensor with raw support
• Fast autofocus with continuous and tracking modes
• 10fps burst shooting for action photography
• Tilting touchscreen LCD (921k dots) and pop-up EVF (638k dots)
• 4K video and advanced codec support
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
• Longer battery life (~360 shots)
• Compact, well-designed ergonomics for prolonged use

Cons:

• No external mic or headphone jacks for serious video
• No weather sealing
• Somewhat cramped controls due to small body size
• Higher price (roughly $470 vs $350 for SZ-12)

Which One Should You Buy? Recommendations by User Type

Choosing between the Olympus SZ-12 and the Sony HX99 boils down to your priorities, budget, and intended use.

Buy the Olympus SZ-12 if...

• You want a budget-friendly superzoom camera mainly for casual family snaps or vacation shots
• You prioritize simplicity over tech bells and whistles
• Your shooting rarely involves fast action or creative manual controls
• You’re okay with basic video and single-shot autofocus
• Pocketability is nice but not critical

Essentially, the SZ-12 suits beginners and budget-conscious users who value reaching long zoom ranges without fuss.

Buy the Sony HX99 if...

• You want a cutting-edge compact superzoom with versatile shooting modes
• You seek fast and accurate autofocus for action, wildlife, or street photography
• You value image quality and raw file flexibility for post-processing
• You shoot video regularly, especially 4K clips
• You appreciate connectivity features and a high-res EVF for bright conditions
• You’re willing to invest a bit more for better performance and future-proofing

This camera works well for enthusiasts, hybrid shooters, and travel photographers craving an all-in-one pocket powerhouse.

Final Verdict: The Modern Zoomer Shows Its Age

Reflecting on the past decade of budget superzoom evolution makes it clear: the Sony Cyber-shot HX99 offers a remarkably fuller feature set, better imaging performance, and superior ergonomics compared to the older Olympus SZ-12. While both can squeeze impressive focal lengths out of tiny bodies, Sony’s integration of modern sensor tech, faster AF, enhanced video, and connectivity puts it in another league for most users.

The SZ-12 isn’t without merit - it can still bring home good snaps in forgiving conditions, and its simplicity has charm for pure point-and-shooters. But for those who want their compact superzoom to tackle a variety of photographic genres with agility and quality, the HX99 is the smarter investment.

Ultimately, if you lean toward casual photography on a shoestring, the Olympus SZ-12 will serve you adequately. But if you want a versatile, feature-packed zoom companion prepared for the varied challenges of modern photography and videography, the Sony HX99 earns my strong recommendation.

Thank you for joining me in this deep-dive exploration! Deciding on a compact superzoom isn’t trivial, but armed with these insights, I hope you feel better equipped to pick the tool that fits your photographic journey like a glove.

Happy shooting!