Olympus SP-620 UZ vs Olympus SZ-30MR: Which Compact Superzoom Suits Your Photography Journey?

Choosing the right camera often boils down to matching features, handling, and performance with your specific photographic needs. Today, we take a focused look at two compact superzoom models from Olympus: the SP-620 UZ and the SZ-30MR. Both deliver impressive zoom ranges and user-friendly designs but target subtly different use cases - from casual travel snaps to enthusiast zoom convenience.

Having tested thousands of cameras over years, we’ll break down these models with a meticulous eye for detail, sharing insights grounded in hands-on performance and real-world scenarios. Our goal is to help you decide which one fits your evolving photography aspirations.

Unboxing the Basics: Design, Size, and Handling

Before we dive into specs, seeing and feeling how a camera sits in your hands matters. Ergonomics govern your shooting experience, especially on long outings.

The Olympus SP-620 UZ and SZ-30MR share a compact body type, but their dimensions and weights differ noticeably.

The SP-620 UZ is chunkier and heavier, weighing almost twice as much as the SZ-30MR. Its thicker grip area and pronounced lens barrel give it a more substantial feel reminiscent of DSLR-like handling in a compact form. This robustness often translates to steadier shots during extended zoom use or in manual framing, benefiting users who value tactile control.

The SZ-30MR, by contrast, is very pocket-friendly. Its slim profile and lighter weight make it ideal for steadiness on the go, travel, or discreet street shooting where minimal bulk is a priority.

Handling differences also emerge in control layouts and feedback, which we’ll discuss next.

Control Layout and User Interface: Navigating Your Creative Options

A camera’s controls shape how you interact with its features - speed of adjustments, ease of use, and intuitive operation.

Let’s compare their top and rear-side layouts visually:

Both models have simplified control schemes befitting compact superzooms. Neither offers full manual exposure modes (no shutter or aperture priority), but you get shutter-speed flexibility (up to 1/1500s on SP-620 UZ and up to 1/1700s on SZ-30MR).

The SP-620 UZ sacrifices some size predominately for a thicker grip and slightly larger buttons, which provide better tactile feedback when adjusting zoom or activating the shutter. However, the button layout is kept minimalistic - no dedicated manual controls, and no touchscreen.

The SZ-30MR incorporates a crisper, higher-resolution screen (more on that shortly), and its buttons are similarly compact but placed for easy access. Again, no manual focus ring or separate dials; focus and exposure happen automatically.

Consider your need for manual intervention: if you want simple point-and-shoot convenience with reliable auto modes, both suffice, but if you want to control framing and exposure modestly, be prepared to rely on in-camera presets.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Sensor specs and image-processing technology dictate the quality and character of your final shots.

Both cameras share the same sensor size and resolution, typical for compact superzoom cameras. However, a key difference lies in the sensor technology:

• SP-620 UZ’s CCD sensor delivers solid color fidelity and dynamic range in daylight but is traditionally more prone to noise at higher ISOs.

• SZ-30MR’s CMOS sensor tends to handle low-light noise better, plus facilitates faster live view and video processing.

Our real-world testing confirms these expected tendencies. In bright conditions, both produce sharp, colorful images suitable for prints up to A4 size or for web usage. In low light or shadow detail, the SZ-30MR has a subtle edge in noise control and detail retention, thanks to CMOS sensor advantages.

The TruePic III+ processor is shared, ensuring reliable image processing speed and color rendering on both cameras.

Rear LCD and Viewfinder: Your Creative Window

Since neither camera offers an optical or electronic viewfinder (a concession to compact design), the LCD screen becomes your main framing tool.

While both offer 3-inch fixed LCDs, the SZ-30MR’s screen nearly doubles the resolution, resulting in a crisper preview of your shots and on-screen menus. The HyperCrystal III technology enhances visibility in bright outdoor conditions - a distinct advantage for travel or landscape photographers who often shoot under sunlight.

The SP-620 UZ’s 230k dot screen is serviceable but can feel pixelated and less contrasty under harsh light. If you rely heavily on the LCD for composition, exposure checking, and menu navigation, the SZ-30MR’s screen provides a more comfortable experience.

However, neither camera supports touch input, so navigation is through physical buttons with menus that could feel dated to users accustomed to newer camera interfaces.

Lens and Zoom: Exploring Focal Ranges and Aperture

Superzoom cameras are all about versatility in framing, from wide landscapes to distant subjects.

The SZ-30MR edges out slightly on zoom reach - 600mm vs 525mm in 35mm equivalent terms - extending your reach for wildlife or sports shots.

However, maximum aperture narrows from f/5.8 to f/6.9 toward the telephoto end on the SZ-30MR, meaning it’s slightly less bright when zoomed in. The SP-620 UZ’s f/5.8 aperture allows marginally more light in at full zoom, aiding in low-light conditions or faster shutter speeds.

Close focusing is comparable on both at 1cm, great for macro attempts in a pinch, though neither model specializes in dedicated macro optics.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy on the Move

Autofocus quality dramatically shapes your ability to capture sharp images, especially in dynamic scenarios.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus, which is standard for their category but slower and less predictable than phase-detection systems seen in advanced cameras.

Our testing showed:

• SP-620 UZ autofocus is competent but noticeably slower to lock on during zoom transitions or low-light environments. Face detection works but without notable speed.

• SZ-30MR autofocus benefits from the CMOS sensor aiding faster live view focusing and offers smoother, more consistent face detection and tracking in good light. However, continuous autofocus for moving subjects is absent on both models, limiting performance for fast action photography.

Neither camera offers manual focus or focus stacking, aligning them firmly to the casual or enthusiast snapshot user segment.

Burst Mode and Shutter: Capturing the Moment

Burst shooting averages support continuous action photography.

• SP-620 UZ does not have a specified continuous shooting mode, limiting its ability to shoot rapid bursts.

• SZ-30MR offers a very modest 2 fps continuous shooting rate.

This means for fast-moving wildlife or sports, neither camera will satisfy serious action photographers. However, the SZ-30MR offers some minimal advantage in capturing short sequences.

Both models can reach shutter speeds up to 1/1500s–1/1700s, which is adequate for moderately fast motion or bright light conditions but insufficient for freezing extremely rapid action.

Video Capabilities: Recording Your Stories

For casual video, both cameras provide HD capture but differ in resolution and codec:

The SZ-30MR clearly wins out here by delivering full HD 1080p video at 30 fps versus the SP-620 UZ’s capped 720p HD. Both feature sensor-shift image stabilization to reduce camera shake - a boon for handheld video.

Limitations include no microphone or headphone ports, so audio quality relies solely on the built-in mic, which is typical of compact cameras in this class.

If video recording is an important part of your workflow (vlogging, family events), the SZ-30MR’s superior resolution and video codec will be more satisfying.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered for the Shoot

The SP-620 UZ uses four AA batteries, which you can easily swap with alkalines or rechargeables in the field. This is both an advantage for accessibility and a disadvantage for bulk and weight.

The SZ-30MR comes with a proprietary lithium-ion battery that supports about 220 shots per charge - typical but may require carrying spares on longer trips.

Storage options are identical on both, supporting all mainstream SD cards.

Connectivity and Extras: Sharing Your Work

Both cameras accommodate Eye-Fi SD wireless cards for in-camera Wi-Fi capabilities (must be purchased separately). Neither supports modern wireless standards like Bluetooth or NFC.

Physical connectivity includes USB 2.0 and mini-HDMI ports on both models, letting you transfer files or connect the camera to HDTVs easily.

Neither camera offers GPS or environmental sealing, so take caution to protect them from harsh weather or conditions.

Sample Image Comparison: Real-World Outputs

Let’s look at how these cameras perform visually.

Olympus SP 620 UZ front Olympus SP 620 UZ screen back Olympus SZ 30MR front Olympus SZ 30MR screen back

• SP-620 UZ images show warm, saturated colors with decent sharpness under bright conditions. Zoomed shots are respectable but display more noise in shadows.

• SZ-30MR images maintain better detail in medium to low light and deliver crisper HD video frames.

While neither matches DSLR or mirrorless image quality, they both produce shareable photos for online, social, and casual print uses.

Which Camera Excels in Different Photography Disciplines?

We analyzed their strengths across key genres:

• Portraits: Both provide painless face detection, but lack manual focus and full bokeh control; the SP-620 offers marginally faster apertures for subject isolation.

• Landscape: SZ-30MR’s sharper screen and better dynamic range due to CMOS sensor earn it the edge, despite identical sensor sizes.

• Wildlife: SZ-30MR’s longer zoom and faster autofocus response is beneficial, though neither excels at fast continuous AF.

• Sports: Limited burst capabilities constrain both. The SZ-30MR’s 2 fps might capture brief action better but still not ideal.

• Street: SZ-30MR’s lightweight, compact form, plus quiet operation, make it more street-friendly.

• Macro: Both cameras’ 1cm focus range and stabilization help, but no focus stacking limits advanced macro.

• Night/Astro: CMOS sensor in SZ-30MR produces less noise at high ISO, favoring subdued low-light.

• Video: SZ-30MR’s full HD support and stabilization make it the clear winner.

• Travel: SZ-30MR’s smaller size, lighter weight, and longer zoom make it more versatile for travel photographers.

• Professional Work: Neither offers RAW, advanced controls, or ruggedness needed for pro use; suitable only as backups or casual compacts.

Overall Performance Ratings at a Glance

Our weighted scoring system evaluates image quality, ergonomics, features, and value.

You can see the SZ-30MR scores higher overall, reflecting its stronger sensor performance, video capabilities, and portable design. The SP-620 UZ competes through build presence and slightly wider aperture, but with a dated sensor and UI.

Verdict: Which Olympus Superzoom Should You Choose?

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Creative Vision

Both the Olympus SP-620 UZ and SZ-30MR have carved niches in the compact superzoom market. While the SP-620 UZ presents itself as a capable, budget-friendly model with decent optics and workable ergonomics, the SZ-30MR pushes the boundary with better display, longer zoom, improved sensor technology, and sharper video capabilities.

Choosing between them comes down to what you prioritize:

• If you want more modern features, better video, and portability, the SZ-30MR is the smarter investment.

• If you prefer simple, reliable optics with flexible AA battery options at a lower price point, consider the SP-620 UZ.

Both models will serve well for casual shooters, travel adventurers, and enthusiasts stepping into superzoom photography. But if you expect professional-grade capabilities, you’ll want to look beyond this class.

Next Steps for Your Purchase Journey

• Try them in store or rent to experience handling and feel.

• Check out compatible accessories like extra batteries, protective cases, and SD cards.

• Explore Olympus’s ecosystem of lenses and cameras if considering upgrades.

• Invest time in learning your camera’s menu system and shooting modes to maximize your creative potential.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera open new visual horizons!

This detailed comparison article is crafted from extensive hands-on tests and technical analysis to help you navigate your next compact superzoom camera choice with confidence.