Olympus PEN-F vs Olympus SZ-30MR

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus PEN-F and Olympus SZ-30MR, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Olympus. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the PEN-F (20MP) and SZ-30MR (16MP) and the PEN-F (Four Thirds) and SZ-30MR (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The PEN-F was revealed 4 years later than the SZ-30MR and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus PEN-F being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the PEN-F scores versus the SZ-30MR in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN-F & Olympus SZ-30MR. The full galleries are provided at Olympus PEN-F Gallery & Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus PEN-F comes with external dimensions of 125mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.5") along with a weight of 427 grams (0.94 lbs) and 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).

Examine the Olympus PEN-F and Olympus SZ-30MR in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the PEN-F compared to the SZ-30MR.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the PEN-F and SZ-30MR is 84 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the PEN-F and SZ-30MR.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The PEN-F having a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus PEN-F will produce more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The fresher PEN-F is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.