Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony RX1R

Its time to examine more in depth at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony RX1R, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and RX1R (Full frame) come with totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-12 was manufactured 17 months earlier than the RX1R which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the SZ-12 matches up against the RX1R with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Sony RX1R Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 features outside measurements 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 RX1R has dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") with a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony RX1R in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-12 against the RX1R.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and RX1R is 89 and 79 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions purely by looking through specifications. The picture underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and RX1R.

Plainly, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony RX1R will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.