Olympus SZ-30MR vs Olympus Tough-3000

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Olympus Tough-3000, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are created by Olympus. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and Tough-3000 (12MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was announced 14 months later than the Tough-3000 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SZ-30MR grades versus the Tough-3000 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR and Olympus Stylus Tough-3000. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR features physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Olympus Tough-3000 has proportions of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-30MR and Olympus Tough-3000 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the Tough-3000.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and Tough-3000 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing purely by going through technical specs. The visual below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and Tough-3000.

As you can tell, each of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus SZ-30MR to show greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The younger SZ-30MR provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.