Canon A3100 IS vs Olympus SZ-30MR

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Canon A3100 IS versus Olympus SZ-30MR, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Olympus. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the A3100 IS (12MP) and SZ-30MR (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The A3100 IS was revealed 14 months earlier than the SZ-30MR which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the A3100 IS grades against the SZ-30MR when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot A3100 IS & Olympus SZ-30MR. The full galleries are viewable at Canon A3100 IS Gallery & Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon A3100 IS offers exterior measurements of 97mm x 58mm x 28mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-30MR has sizing of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon A3100 IS versus Olympus SZ-30MR in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the A3100 IS against the SZ-30MR.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the A3100 IS and SZ-30MR is 94 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading specs. The image below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the A3100 IS and SZ-30MR.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Olympus SZ-30MR to deliver more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged A3100 IS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.