Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic G9

Let's examine more closely at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic G9, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the G9 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and G9 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was unveiled 7 years before the G9 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SZ-30MR matches up versus the G9 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DC-G9. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic G9 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic G9 has proportions of 137mm x 97mm x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") and a weight of 658 grams (1.45 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic G9 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the SZ-30MR compared to the G9.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and G9 is 89 and 62 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to envision the gap between sensor dimensions just by looking at specs. The image here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and G9.

All in all, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-30MR with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Panasonic G9 will give you greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged SZ-30MR is going to be behind in sensor tech.