Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus SZ-30MR

Here is a extended review of the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus SZ-30MR, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Olympus. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and SZ-30MR (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and SZ-30MR (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was launched 6 months later than the SZ-30MR and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the E-P3 scores versus the SZ-30MR with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Olympus SZ-30MR. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 enjoys outer dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst 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).

Compare the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus SZ-30MR in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the E-P3 vs the SZ-30MR.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and SZ-30MR is 86 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to see the difference in sensor sizing merely by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and SZ-30MR.

Clearly, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 featuring a larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus SZ-30MR will provide more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively.