Olympus SZ-12 vs Zeiss ZX1

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus SZ-12 vs Zeiss ZX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Zeiss. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-12 was announced 7 years before the ZX1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ-12 scores against the ZX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Zeiss ZX1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-12 comes with 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 Zeiss ZX1 has proportions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-12 vs Zeiss ZX1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ-12 compared to the ZX1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and ZX1 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing merely by going through a spec sheet. The visual underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and ZX1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-12 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will provide greater detail with its extra 23MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The older SZ-12 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.