Olympus SZ-15 vs Sigma DP2s

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus SZ-15 and Sigma DP2s, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sigma. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and DP2s (5MP) and the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and DP2s (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-15 was unveiled 3 years after the DP2s which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2s being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief view of how the SZ-15 matches up versus the DP2s when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-15 and Sigma DP2s. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Sigma DP2s Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-15 has got exterior dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sigma DP2s has measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 56mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 280 grams (0.62 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-15 and Sigma DP2s in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-15 versus the DP2s.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-15 and DP2s is 88 and 86 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reading through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-15 and DP2s.

Clearly, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-15 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-15 will give you greater detail having an extra 11 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images far more aggressively. The fresher SZ-15 should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.