Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic LX100 II

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic LX100 II, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the LX100 II (17MP) is very well matched but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and LX100 II (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-30MR was unveiled 8 years earlier than the LX100 II and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LX100 II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the SZ-30MR grades versus the LX100 II in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR & Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Panasonic LX100 II Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-30MR enjoys physical measurements 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 Panasonic LX100 II has sizing of 115mm x 66mm x 64mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 392 grams (0.86 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic LX100 II in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-30MR vs the LX100 II.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and LX100 II is 89 and 81 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by reading through technical specs. The graphic below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and LX100 II.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic LX100 II will give more detail having an extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics way more aggressively. The older SZ-30MR is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.