Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FH8

Following is a in depth review of the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic FH8, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the FH8 (16MP) is relatively similar and both cameras provide the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ-30MR was released 10 months before the FH8 so they are of a similar age. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SZ-30MR grades against the FH8 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Panasonic FH8 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic FH8 has specifications of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic FH8 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR against the FH8.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and FH8 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes only by reading specs. The image here may offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and FH8.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size and the identical MP so you can expect similar quality of photographs though you would want to consider the launch date of the products into consideration. The more aged SZ-30MR is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.