Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony WX80

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus SZ-12 and Sony WX80, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the WX80 (16MP) is fairly similar and they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-12 was announced 12 months earlier than the WX80 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SZ-12 scores vs the WX80 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-12 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX80. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Sony WX80 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 has got external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony WX80 has dimensions of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") and a weight of 124 grams (0.27 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 and Sony WX80 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-12 against the WX80.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and WX80 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements just by reviewing specifications. The photograph below will give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and WX80.

To sum up, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You should anticipate the Sony WX80 to offer you greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older SZ-12 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.