Olympus SZ-30MR vs Olympus Stylus 9000: A Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

In the realm of compact cameras, Olympus has long offered intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking versatility without the bulk of DSLRs or mirrorless systems. The Olympus SZ-30MR (2011) and the earlier Olympus Stylus 9000 (2009), also known as the mju 9000, represent two different approaches to compact digital photography with superzoom capabilities. Both cameras pack powerful zooms into small bodies, but how do they compare across real-world use cases and technical performance?

Having extensively tested both models and examined their features, I bring you an in-depth comparison to help you decide which might fit your photography needs best - from portraits and landscapes to wildlife, sports, macro, and even video. I will unpack key technical details, actual shooting experiences, and value considerations, sprinkled with unique insights that come from years of rigorous camera testing.

Design and Handling: Comfort Meets Compactness

Ergonomics form the foundation of photographic ease and control. Here, the SZ-30MR and Stylus 9000 share a similar compact, pocketable approach. Both measure roughly in the same ballpark in terms of weight - 226g vs. 225g - and each fits comfortably in hand, although their body dimensions tell a slightly different story:

• Olympus SZ-30MR: 106 x 69 x 40 mm
• Olympus Stylus 9000: 96 x 60 x 31 mm

The SZ-30MR is marginally larger and thicker, primarily due to its extended superzoom lens design and inclusion of a larger 3-inch TFT LCD screen with 460k dots, compared to the 2.7-inch, 230k-dot screen on the older Stylus 9000. This larger screen enhances liveview usability and framing, which I found important during extended shooting sessions - especially in bright conditions.

Physical control layout is straightforward on both, relying mostly on automatic modes with minimal manual intervention. Notably, neither camera features manual focus or full manual exposure modes, aiming mainly for point-and-shoot accessibility.

Controls and Usability

• SZ-30MR: The top view reveals a simple zoom toggle and shutter button combination. The lack of dedicated dials means exposure adjustments or ISO changes are limited or automatic. The intuitive menu system, combined with the larger screen, allowed faster navigation, which I appreciated when quickly changing settings on the fly.

• Stylus 9000: Similarly minimalistic but even more compact, it relies on menu-driven adjustments and automatic exposure features. Its smaller screen and resolution result in less crisp image review, which can hamper precise composition or focus confirmation.

Verdict: If you value a larger, sharper display and slightly easier control, the SZ-30MR edges ahead ergonomically. However, in terms of outright portability, the Stylus 9000 is a sleek option.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The imaging sensor defines ultimate image quality, and here we see meaningful technical differences:

Why does this matter?

The SZ-30MR’s CMOS sensor offers a higher 16-megapixel resolution with a broader ISO range. In-camera image processing powered by the TruePic III+ processor enhances high ISO performance and noise reduction. CMOS technology generally supports faster readout speeds and better low-light sensitivity compared to CCD, particularly important for freeze-frame photography and video.

The Stylus 9000’s 12MP CCD sensor delivers solid image quality at base ISO but exhibits more noise as you push sensitivity, and maximum ISO top out is lower.

Real-World Image Quality

• Resolution and Detail: At base ISO, the SZ-30MR produces noticeably sharper images with finer detail due to the higher pixel count. Subtle textures in landscapes and fabric in portraits come through more distinctly. The Stylus 9000’s images are still good, but softer detail is apparent, especially on larger prints or crops.

• Noise and Low Light: The SZ-30MR excels with cleaner shadow areas at elevated ISOs (800-1600), a boon for indoor and night photography. The Stylus 9000 tends toward grain and color shifts beyond ISO 400, which I documented in repeat tests under tungsten lighting.

• Color Rendition: Both cameras deliver pleasant colors with the SZ-30MR providing slightly more natural skin tone reproduction, likely due to newer processing algorithms. The Stylus 9000’s colors are a bit more saturated but less nuanced.

If image quality is paramount to you - particularly in low light or for large prints - the SZ-30MR presents a clear advantage. For casual use and daylight shooting, the Stylus 9000 remains respectable.

Display and Interface: Seeing Is Believing

The SZ-30MR’s 3-inch TFT Hypercrystal III LCD with 460,000 dots offers a bright and crisp user interface, making framing, playback, and menu navigation easier and less fatiguing in practice. The Stylus 9000’s smaller 2.7-inch screen with only 230,000 dots appears dimmer and less sharp, which I noticed under sunlight.

Both lack touch capability and electronic or optical viewfinders, making reliance on the rear screen absolute. This limits usability in very bright outdoor conditions unless you carefully shade the screen.

The SZ-30MR’s interface includes liveview with face detection autofocus overlays, whereas the Stylus 9000 does not support face detection and relies exclusively on contrast-based autofocus.

For photographers who want straightforward framing and immediate access to focus points or subject tracking, the SZ-30MR’s display and interface design is notably superior.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus speed and reliability are critical performance factors, especially for action and wildlife photography.

Testing the Autofocus in Real Situations

The SZ-30MR benefits from multi-area contrast detection with face detection and autofocus tracking. While not blazing fast compared to modern mirrorless cameras, the AF locks quickly on static subjects and adjusts well to moderate movement. During indoor portrait sessions, I found the face detection effective in keeping skin tones sharp while blurring backgrounds naturally.

In contrast, the Stylus 9000’s single-area contrast detection provides more limited focusing precision and no tracking support. Moving subjects challenge this AF system, often resulting in missed focus during street or wildlife shooting. Continuous AF tracking is absent, which restricts its usefulness for sports.

Additionally, the SZ-30MR supports a 2.0 fps continuous shooting mode, which, while modest, allows photographers to capture multiple frames in burst sequences.

For fast-moving subjects or wildlife, the SZ-30MR clearly offers more versatile and responsive focusing.

Olympus SZ 30MR front Olympus SZ 30MR screen back Olympus 9000 front Olympus 9000 screen back

Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Portrait Photography

• SZ-30MR: The larger sensor resolution combined with face detection and 3.0-6.9 aperture lens supports good subject isolation and natural skin tones. The extensive focal length from 25 to 600 mm (35mm equivalent) lets you frame close portraits or distant candid shots with ample bokeh at telephoto lengths.

• Stylus 9000: Limited to 28-280 mm zoom, with a slightly slower aperture of 3.2-5.9 and no face detection, it performs adequately but struggles with subject separation and precise focus on eyes, especially in low light.

Landscape Photography

• SZ-30MR delivers better dynamic range thanks to its CMOS sensor and advanced processor. The 16MP resolution captures fine textures and expansive detail. Weather sealing is absent in both, so be cautious shooting in moisture or dust.

• Stylus 9000 provides decent wide-angle coverage but lower resolution and dynamic range reduce the ability to retrieve shadow and highlight detail.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera targets professional sports or wildlife shooters due to limited burst rates and AF speed, but:

• SZ-30MR: Offers superior zoom reach (25-600 mm vs. 28-280 mm) and AF tracking helping to keep pace with fast subjects at a distance.

• Stylus 9000: Less capable due to shorter zoom and no AF tracking.

Street Photography

Both cameras’ compact dimensions suit street shooting, but the Stylus 9000 is more pocketable. The SZ-30MR’s longer zoom may attract those seeking unobtrusive telephoto shots, though it is slightly bulkier.

Macro Photography

Both support 1 cm macro focus, but the SZ-30MR’s higher resolution sensor captures more intricate detail.

Night and Astro Photography

Limited ISO ranges and lack of manual exposure control constrain astrophotography potential. The SZ-30MR’s better high ISO performance allows more usable night shots.

Video Capabilities

The SZ-30MR’s Full HD 1080p video at 30fps is a substantial advantage, producing much clearer and usable video for casual purposes. The Stylus 9000 maxes out at low-res VGA, making it dated for multimedia use.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras share plastic compact bodies, designed primarily for portability and casual use. Neither offers weather sealing or rugged durability like some outdoor-oriented models.

In my hands-on evaluation, both felt solidly constructed, but neither are suitable for harsh conditions without protective housing.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility vs. Bulk

• SZ-30MR: Massive 25-600 mm zoom (24x optical), aperture range F3.0-6.9
• Stylus 9000: 28-280 mm zoom (10x optical), aperture range F3.2-5.9

The SZ-30MR’s extensive reach accommodates everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife - a rare feature in compact cameras. The Stylus 9000’s zoom is still respectable but much more limited for telephoto applications.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

• SZ-30MR: Uses Olympus LI-50B battery, with estimated 220 shots per charge - typical for compact cameras of the era. Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Connectivity includes USB 2.0 and HDMI output. Notably supports Eye-Fi wireless SD cards for Wi-Fi transfer; no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

• Stylus 9000: Battery details sparse, uses proprietary rechargeable pack; storage supports xD Picture Cards, microSD cards, or internal memory - an unusual mix for modern standards, potentially inconvenient. USB 2.0 only, no HDMI or wireless features.

For modern photographers requiring seamless file transfer and extended shooting convenience, the SZ-30MR offers a modest advantage.

Price-to-Performance: Does the SZ-30MR’s Newer Tech Justify Its Cost?

At launch, the SZ-30MR was around $279, and the Stylus 9000 roughly $300. Today, both are discontinued but still found used or refurbished.

• The SZ-30MR offers newer sensor tech, better zoom range, Full HD video, and face tracking autofocus, justifying its higher price for those valuing versatility.

• The Stylus 9000 may appeal as a budget-friendly compact zoom camera for casual shooters but lacks the video and advanced features making the SZ-30MR more future-proof.

Summary Table of Pros and Cons:

Final Recommendations: Which Olympus Compact Suits You?

Choose the Olympus SZ-30MR if you:

• Want a versatile superzoom compact capable of shooting distant wildlife or subjects with ease.
• Desire higher image resolution and better low-light performance.
• Want Full HD video for casual use.
• Appreciate face detection autofocus and live tracking for portraits or street shooting.
• Prioritize a bigger, brighter screen for composing shots.

Choose the Olympus Stylus 9000 if you:

• Prefer a smaller, lighter compact camera focused on casual snapshots.
• Are budget-conscious and okay with VGA video quality.
• Use microSD or xD cards already and prefer simpler point-and-shoot operation.
• Mostly shoot in well-lit conditions without need for advanced autofocus.

Final Thoughts from Hands-On Testing

Both cameras embody Olympus’s clever miniaturization of substantial zoom capabilities, but the SZ-30MR delivers more future-ready tech and user-friendly features that translate into noticeably better image quality and enjoyable usability. The older Stylus 9000, while still capable in daylight photography, generally feels dated and limited by comparison.

When I tested extended shooting in various conditions, the SZ-30MR’s face detection autofocus and 24x zoom opened shooting possibilities that the 10x zoom Stylus 9000 simply could not match. Video is another domain where the SZ-30MR comfortably takes the lead.

If portability and pocket size are your highest priority, the Stylus 9000 merits consideration, but for anyone who wants a compact superzoom with better all-around performance and image quality, the SZ-30MR comfortably earns the recommendation.

I trust these insights, grounded in over a decade of camera evaluations and thousands of shooting hours, will help you confidently choose between these two Olympus compacts.

Happy shooting!

TechRadarlab - Your trusted guide to gear grounded in expert hands-on testing.