Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus SZ-30MR

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-PL1 and Olympus SZ-30MR, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and SZ-30MR (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-30MR (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1 was introduced 9 months prior to the SZ-30MR so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PL1 grades versus the SZ-30MR in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Olympus SZ-30MR. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 features outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-30MR has dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1 and Olympus SZ-30MR in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the SZ-30MR.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and SZ-30MR is 86 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements simply by reviewing specifications. The photograph here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and SZ-30MR.

To sum up, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 having a bigger sensor will make getting bokeh easier and the Olympus SZ-30MR will offer you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.