Olympus SZ-12 vs YI M1

Following is a in depth assessment of the Olympus SZ-12 and YI M1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and YI. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and M1 (20MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and M1 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-12 was announced 5 years prior to the M1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the YI M1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the SZ-12 matches up versus the M1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-12 and YI M1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and YI M1 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 provides external measurements 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 YI M1 has specifications of 114mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 350 grams (0.77 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-12 and YI M1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-12 against the M1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and M1 is 89 and 87 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes purely by going over a spec sheet. The pic underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-12 and M1.

Clearly, both cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the YI M1 will offer you extra detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.