Olympus E-30 vs Sony QX1

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-30 vs Sony QX1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Lens-style by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-30 (12MP) and QX1 (20MP) and the E-30 (Four Thirds) and QX1 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-30 was manufactured 6 years earlier than the QX1 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-30 scores against the QX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-30 and Sony Alpha QX1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-30 enjoys exterior dimensions of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") having a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) and the Sony QX1 has specifications of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") having a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-30 vs Sony QX1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-30 compared to the QX1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-30 and QX1 is 60 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph below might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-30 and QX1.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-30 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Sony QX1 will show greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older E-30 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.