Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic F5

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic F5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the F5 (14MP) is relatively well matched and they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was brought out 22 months prior to the F5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SZ-30MR scores against the F5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic F5 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-30MR offers external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic F5 has specifications of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic F5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the SZ-30MR vs the F5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and F5 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking a spec sheet. The graphic below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-30MR and F5.

As you can see, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should count on the Olympus SZ-30MR to give more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older SZ-30MR is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.