Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony A99

Below, we are matching up the Olympus SZ-15 and Sony A99, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and A99 (24MP) and the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and A99 (Full frame) use totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-15 was released 7 months later than the A99 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SZ-15 grades versus the A99 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-15 & Sony SLT-A99. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Sony A99 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-15 has got external 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 Sony A99 has sizing of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") with a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-15 and Sony A99 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-15 and the A99.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and A99 is 88 and 57 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specifications. The graphic here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-15 and A99.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-15 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony A99 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos much more aggressively. The more recent SZ-15 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.