Canon G11 vs Olympus SZ-30MR

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Canon G11 versus Olympus SZ-30MR, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Canon and Olympus. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the G11 (10MP) and SZ-30MR (16MP) and the G11 (1/1.7") and SZ-30MR (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The G11 was manufactured 14 months earlier than the SZ-30MR which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the G11 matches up against the SZ-30MR with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot G11 and Olympus SZ-30MR. The entire galleries are available at Canon G11 Gallery and Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Canon G11 has got outer dimensions of 112mm x 76mm x 48mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.9") having a weight of 375 grams (0.83 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-30MR has specifications of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Canon G11 versus Olympus SZ-30MR in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the G11 compared to the SZ-30MR.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the G11 and SZ-30MR is 83 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the G11 and SZ-30MR.

As you can see, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The G11 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus SZ-30MR will give you extra detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The older G11 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.