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Olympus SZ-15 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
    • Olympus SZ-15

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    Main Features

    • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 3200
    • 23-483 mm F2.8-5.9 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • 10.0fps continuous shooting
    • Built-in Wireless
    • Built-in GPS
    • 250g. 108 x 70 x 40 mm mm
      •
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Olympus SZ-15 Overview

    Launched in June 2013 , Olympus SZ-15 is a 16.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 21.0x zoom 23-483 mm F2.8-5.9 lens.

    Olympus SZ-15 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Olympus SZ-15 is a member of Olympus's Small Sensor Superzoom class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Olympus Small Sensor Superzoom Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Olympus SH-3
    Compare     		2016 16.0MP - 1/2.3' 11.5 fps 109 x 63 x 42mm 271g
    Olympus 1s
    Compare     		2015 12.0MP - 1/1.7' 7.0 fps 116 x 87 x 57mm 402g
    Olympus SH-2
    Compare     		2015 16.0MP - 1/2.3' 11.5 fps 109 x 63 x 42mm 271g
    Olympus SH-1
    Compare     		2014 16.0MP - 1/2.3' 12.0 fps 109 x 63 x 42mm 271g
    Olympus SP-100
    Compare     		2014 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 7.0 fps 122 x 91 x 133mm 594g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Olympus SH-3 vs 1s vs SH-2 vs SH-1 vs SP-100

    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Olympus SZ-15 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Olympus SZ-15 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Image Stabilization
    Full HD Video
    Built-in GPS
    Face Detection Focusing
    Face Detection Focusing
    10.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    250g Light Body
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    23mm Wide Angle Lens
    483mm Good Tele Lens
    21.0X Optical Zoom
    Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide
    Report a correction

    Buy Olympus SZ-15 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Only Unknown Focus Points
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90

    Report a correction


    Olympus SZ-15 Physical Specs
    Olympus SZ-15 weighs 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz) and has external dimensions of . Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Olympus SZ-15 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 40mm, it is not small either, 11mm thicker than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Olympus SZ-15
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Olympus SZ-15
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Olympus SZ-15 with the dimensions:

    Olympus SZ-15 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Olympus SZ-15 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Olympus SZ-15, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Olympus SZ-15 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Olympus SZ-15 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Olympus SZ-15 with its main competitors:

    Olympus SZ-15 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs SZ-15 Thickness vs SZ-15
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus SZ-10
    Compare     		215g 35g lighter 38mm 2mm thinner
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus SZ-12
    Compare     		226g 24g lighter 40mm equal thickness
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus SZ-16 iHS
    Compare     		226g 24g lighter 40mm equal thickness
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Pentax MX-1
    Compare     		391g 141g heavier 51mm 11mm thicker
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Nikon D4
    Compare     		1340g 1090g heavier 91mm 51mm thicker
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus TG-5
    Compare     		250g equal weight 32mm 8mm thinner
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus 1s
    Compare     		402g 152g heavier 57mm 17mm thicker
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus SH-2
    Compare     		271g 21g heavier 42mm 2mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Olympus SZ-15 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Olympus SZ-15 Lens

    Olympus SZ-15 features a 23-483 mm F2.8-5.9 21× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 23mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 483mm.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    SZ-15
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    SZ-15
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f2.80, this lens is fast on wide end, but max aperture of f5.90 at tele end makes is really slow at longer focal lengths.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    SZ-15
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    SZ-15
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    SZ-15 is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Olympus SZ-15's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Olympus SZ-15 Sensor and Photography Features

    Olympus SZ-15 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. SZ-15 has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 but unfortunately, Olympus SZ-15 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Olympus XZ-1 in the same price range.

    Olympus SZ-15 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero11 Black with its 27.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Olympus SZ-15 vs GoPro Hero11 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Olympus SZ-15's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Olympus SZ-15 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Olympus SZ-15 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Olympus SZ-15 LCD

    Olympus SZ-15 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Olympus SZ-15 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Olympus SZ-15 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    SZ-15 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (Lumix DMC-TZ100) (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7800 (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Olympus SZ-15 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Thanks to the built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity feature, Olympus SZ-15 lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.

    You can connect SZ-15 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Olympus SZ-15 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus SZ-10
    Compare     		1280 x 720 220shots No No No
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus SZ-12
    Compare     		1280 x 720 220shots No No No
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus SZ-16 iHS
    Compare     		1280 x 720 220shots No No No
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Pentax MX-1
    Compare     		1920 x 1080 290shots No No No
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Nikon D4
    Compare     		1920 x 1080 2600shots No No No
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus TG-5
    Compare     		3840 x 2160 340shots Yes No No
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus 1s
    Compare     		1920 x 1080 450shots Yes No No
    Olympus SZ-15 Camera Olympus SH-2
    Compare     		1920 x 1080 380shots Yes No No

    Olympus SZ-15 Video Features

    With Olympus SZ-15, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps and save in AVI MPEG4 and Motion JPEG formats. Full HD resolution of Olympus SZ-15 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    Video Resolutions Comparison Chart


    Microphones, Speaker and Headphone Connections

    Olympus SZ-15 has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Olympus SZ-15 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Samsung PL120 in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    If you are getting into videography and want to know what are the must-have video accessories for your camera, read our article:
    Essential Videography / Filmmaking Accessories for your Camera

    Olympus SZ-15 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Olympus SZ-15 can shoot continuously at max speed of 10 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately SZ-15 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Olympus SZ-15 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Olympus SZ-15 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.



    What type of Photography is Olympus SZ-15 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Olympus SZ-15 in 5 different photography areas.

    Olympus SZ-15 for Portrait Photography

    Olympus SZ-15 has a score of 35 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSZ-15.
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus SZ-15 for Portrait Photography

    Olympus SZ-15 for Street Photography

    Olympus SZ-15 has a score of 70 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
    23 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus SZ-15 for Street Photography

    Olympus SZ-15 for Sports Photography

    Olympus SZ-15 has a score of 26 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSZ-15.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
    Wireless Connection
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Image Stabilization
    483 mm Tele Lens
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus SZ-15 for Sports Photography

    Olympus SZ-15 for Daily Photography

    Olympus SZ-15 has a score of 58 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    250g
    21.0X Optical Zoom

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus SZ-15 for Daily Photography

    Olympus SZ-15 for Landscape Photography

    Olympus SZ-15 has a score of 26 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSZ-15.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Built-in GPS
    23 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus SZ-15 for Landscape Photography
    Olympus SZ-15 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Olympus SZ-15 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Olympus SZ-15 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Olympus SZ-15

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Olympus SZ-15 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Olympus SZ-10
    Olympus SZ-10
    Compare
    Olympus SZ-12
    Olympus SZ-12
    Compare
    Olympus SZ-16 iHS
    Olympus SZ-16 iHS
    Compare
    Pentax MX-1
    Pentax MX-1
    Compare
    Nikon D4
    Nikon D4
    Compare
    Olympus TG-5
    Olympus TG-5
    Compare
    Olympus 1s
    Olympus 1s
    Compare
    Olympus SH-2
    Olympus SH-2
    Compare

    Olympus SZ-15 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Olympus SZ-15 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Olympus SZ-15's price range.

    Olympus SZ-15 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Olympus SZ-15 has an Overall Score of 43/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Olympus SZ-15 is ranked #103 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #632 out of 1259 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #632 out of 1259 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #103 out of 631 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #94 out of 245 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras
    #177 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #459 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(250g)
    #299 out of 918 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
    Geek Score: 0

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Olympus SZ-15
    Does the Olympus SZ-15 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Olympus SZ-15 have RAW support?
    Does the Olympus SZ-15 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Olympus SZ-15 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Olympus SZ-15?
    What is the Sensor Size of Olympus SZ-15?
    is the Olympus SZ-15 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Olympus SZ-15 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Olympus SZ-15 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Olympus SZ-15?
    What is the Weight of Olympus SZ-15?
    What are the Dimensions of Olympus SZ-15?
    Olympus SZ-15 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Olympus
    Model Olympus SZ-15
    Announced 2013-06-21
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 23-483 mm (21×)
    Max Aperture F2.8-5.9
    Macro Focus Range 5cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology LCD
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 460k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 8s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Max Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 3.50 m
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456
    Max Native ISO 3,200
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points Unknown
    Number of Cross Focus Points 0
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 480fps (176 x 128), 240fps (384 x 288)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats AVI MPEG4, Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 250g
    Physical Dimensions 108 x 70 x 40 mmmm
    Battery Model SLB-10A
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Double)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Built-in
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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