Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic GX9

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Panasonic GX9, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the GX9 (20MP) is fairly close but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and GX9 (Four Thirds) posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-30MR was unveiled 8 years earlier than the GX9 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SZ-30MR grades versus the GX9 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic GX9 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR comes with exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic GX9 has proportions of 124mm x 72mm x 47mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.9") with a weight of 407 grams (0.90 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Panasonic GX9 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-30MR against the GX9.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and GX9 is 89 and 82 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing a spec sheet. The visual below should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and GX9.

As you can see, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-30MR having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GX9 will provide you with more detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older SZ-30MR will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.