Olympus SZ-30MR vs Olympus XZ-1

Here is a thorough assessment of the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Olympus XZ-1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are offered by Olympus. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-30MR was revealed 2 months later than the XZ-1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ-30MR scores against the XZ-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR and Olympus XZ-1. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides exterior measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-1 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Olympus XZ-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the XZ-1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and XZ-1 is 89 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to see the difference between sensor sizing merely by looking at specifications. The photograph here will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-30MR and XZ-1.

To sum up, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus SZ-30MR will give greater detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively.