Olympus E-M5 vs Olympus SZ-30MR

In this article, we are contrasting the Olympus E-M5 and Olympus SZ-30MR, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the SZ-30MR (16MP) is very close but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and SZ-30MR (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The E-M5 was manufactured 15 months after the SZ-30MR making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera.

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-M5 grades versus the SZ-30MR with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Olympus SZ-30MR. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you should factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 comes with physical measurements of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-30MR has specifications of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-M5 and Olympus SZ-30MR in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-M5 compared to the SZ-30MR.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-M5 and SZ-30MR is 81 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes just by looking through technical specs. The picture here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M5 and SZ-30MR.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact MP but different sensor sizes. The E-M5 uses the larger sensor which should make achieving bokeh easier. The younger E-M5 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.