Olympus SZ-30MR vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Lets look more closely at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Olympus. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") have different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was brought out 21 months earlier than the XZ-2 iHS which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a short view of how the SZ-30MR matches up versus the XZ-2 iHS in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-30MR features outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-30MR compared to the XZ-2 iHS.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and XZ-2 iHS is 89 and 85 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading through technical specs. The graphic below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and XZ-2 iHS.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-30MR due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-30MR will give you greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older SZ-30MR is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.