Canon S90 vs Olympus SZ-30MR

Let's examine more closely at the Canon S90 and Olympus SZ-30MR, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Canon and Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the S90 (10MP) and SZ-30MR (16MP) and the S90 (1/1.7") and SZ-30MR (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The S90 was brought out 10 months earlier than the SZ-30MR and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick overview of how the S90 scores against the SZ-30MR in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot S90 and Olympus SZ-30MR. The entire galleries are provided at Canon S90 Gallery and Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon S90 comes with exterior dimensions of 100mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") having a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-30MR has measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Canon S90 and Olympus SZ-30MR in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the S90 against the SZ-30MR.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S90 and SZ-30MR is 92 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to envision the difference between sensor measurements just by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the S90 and SZ-30MR.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The S90 due to its bigger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Olympus SZ-30MR will give greater detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older S90 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.