Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FS42

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Panasonic FS42, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was brought out 23 months after the FS42 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SZ-30MR grades vs the FS42 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-30MR comes with exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic FS42 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Panasonic FS42 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR against the FS42.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and FS42 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes only by researching a spec sheet. The image underneath will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and FS42.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ-30MR featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SZ-30MR will provide you with greater detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The newer SZ-30MR provides an advantage in sensor tech.