Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic S2

Following is a extensive review of the Olympus E-30 versus Panasonic S2, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the S2 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

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The E-30 was revealed 3 years before the S2 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-30 grades vs the S2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-30 enjoys exterior dimensions of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") and a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S2 has dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-30 versus Panasonic S2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the E-30 vs the S2.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-30 and S2 is 60 and 96 respectively.

Typically, its tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The image underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-30 and S2.

Clearly, each of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-30 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic S2 will give you more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged E-30 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.