Clicky

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20

Portability
89
Imaging
39
Features
39
Overall
39
Olympus SZ-30MR front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 front
Portability
93
Imaging
37
Features
21
Overall
30

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20 Key Specs

Olympus SZ-30MR
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-600mm (F3.0-6.9) lens
  • 226g - 106 x 69 x 40mm
  • Launched March 2011
Panasonic FH20
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-224mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 178g - 100 x 56 x 28mm
  • Announced January 2010
  • Also referred to as Lumix DMC-FS30
Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20 Overview

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the FH20 (14MP) is fairly close and both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

The SZ-30MR was revealed 14 months after the FH20 making them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ-30MR scores versus the FH20 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit
	
	

Reasons to pick Olympus SZ-30MR over the Panasonic FH20

 SZ-30MR FH20 
AnnouncedMarch 2011January 2010More modern by 14 months
Display dimensions3"2.7"Larger display (+0.3")
Display resolution460k230kClearer display (+230k dot)

Reasons to pick Panasonic FH20 over the Olympus SZ-30MR

 FH20 SZ-30MR 

Common features in the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic FH20

 SZ-30MR FH20 
Focus manually No manual focus
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen
Touch display Neither features Touch display

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20 Physical Comparison

For those who are going to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-30MR enjoys physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic FH20 has dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the FH20.

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20 size comparison

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and FH20 is 89 and 93 respectively.

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20 top view buttons comparison

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20 Sensor Comparison

Typically, its tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes purely by researching specifications. The image below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and FH20.

To sum up, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Olympus SZ-30MR to render extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The newer SZ-30MR will have an advantage in sensor technology.

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20 sensor size comparison

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20 Screen and ViewFinder

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Olympus SZ-30MR
Portrait photography with Panasonic FH20
34
megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
offers face detect autofocus
lack of manual focus
no manual control
no external flash support
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
28
good resolution (14MP)
focusing manually not possible
lack of manual mode
no external flash support
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support
Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras

Street Comparison

Olympus SZ-30MR Street photography info
Panasonic FH20 Street photography info
60
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than average (226 grams)
no moving screen
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
56
has image stabilization (Optical)
no articulating screen
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support
Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Olympus SZ-30MR
Sports photography with Panasonic FH20
41
long zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
megapixel count good (16MP)
offers tracking focus
low frames per second (2.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority mode
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
terrible battery pack (220 per charge)
lacks phase detect autofocus
35
has image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (14 megapixels)
continuous shooting slow (5.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect autofocus
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Travel Comparison

Olympus SZ-30MR Travel photography highlights
Panasonic FH20 Travel photography highlights
65
lighter than average (226 grams)
megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
fairly wide (25mm)
long zoom (600mm)
does not have Timelapse recording
terrible battery pack (220 CIPA)
display isn't selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.0)
64
good resolution (14 megapixels)
built-in flash
decently wide (28mm)
does not have Time Lapse function
display is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

Landscape Comparison

Olympus SZ-30MR as a Landscape photography camera
Panasonic FH20 as a Landscape photography camera
41
fairly wide (25mm)
good sized screen (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
megapixel count good (16MP)
lack of manual focus
cannot switch lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.0)
no manual control
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
terrible battery pack (220 per charge)
does not have Timelapse recording
37
decently wide (28mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (14MP)
focusing manually not possible
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inches)
lack of manual mode
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support
does not have Time Lapse function
Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

Vlogging Comparison

Olympus SZ-30MR as a Vlogging camera
Panasonic FH20 as a Vlogging camera
34
fairly wide (25mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
offers face detect autofocus
video res high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than average (226g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.0)
display isn't selfie friendly
does not have microphone port
28
decently wide (28mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
display is not selfie friendly
low res video (1280 x 720 pxls)
does not have mic jack
Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH20 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic FH20
 Olympus SZ-30MRPanasonic Lumix DMC-FH20
General Information
Company Olympus Panasonic
Model type Olympus SZ-30MR Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20
Also Known as - Lumix DMC-FS30
Class Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Compact
Launched 2011-03-02 2010-01-06
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Processor TruePic III+ -
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixel 14 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 4608 x 3456 4320 x 3240
Highest native ISO 3200 6400
Lowest native ISO 80 80
RAW files
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Total focus points - 9
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 25-600mm (24.0x) 28-224mm (8.0x)
Maximal aperture f/3.0-6.9 f/3.3-5.9
Macro focusing range 1cm 5cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.9
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 3 inches 2.7 inches
Display resolution 460 thousand dot 230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Display technology TFT Hypercrystal III Color LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Min shutter speed 4s 60s
Max shutter speed 1/1700s 1/1600s
Continuous shutter speed 2.0 frames/s 5.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 4.00 m 5.80 m (Auto ISO)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30 fps)1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video data format MPEG-4 Motion JPEG
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 226g (0.50 lbs) 178g (0.39 lbs)
Physical dimensions 106 x 69 x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") 100 x 56 x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 220 images -
Battery format Battery Pack -
Battery ID LI-50B -
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots 1 1
Price at release $279 $179