Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FP2

Let's look much closer at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic FP2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the FP2 (14MP) is very comparable and both cameras provide the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 14 months later than the FP2 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SZ-30MR grades versus the FP2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Panasonic FP2 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic FP2 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic FP2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the FP2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and FP2 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing simply by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and FP2.

As you can see, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Olympus SZ-30MR to show extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos way more aggressively. The newer SZ-30MR is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.