Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic ZS30

Below is a in depth review of the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic ZS30, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras posses the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SZ-15 was unveiled 6 months later than the ZS30 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a simple view of how the SZ-15 scores vs the ZS30 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-15 has outer measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS30 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic ZS30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-15 against the ZS30.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-15 and ZS30 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements merely by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-15 and ZS30.

As you can see, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Panasonic ZS30 to resolve extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively.