Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic S1

The following is a in-depth review of the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Panasonic S1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and S1 (24MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and S1 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-30MR was manufactured 9 years earlier than the S1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SZ-30MR grades vs the S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DC-S1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic S1 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides physical dimensions 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 Panasonic S1 has proportions of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") accompanied by a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Panasonic S1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the S1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and S1 is 89 and 54 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions just by looking through specs. The picture below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and S1.

All in all, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-30MR due to its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic S1 will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged SZ-30MR will be behind in sensor innovation.