Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FZ100

Its time to look more in depth at the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FZ100, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the FZ100 (14MP) is pretty close and both cameras have the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SZ-30MR was manufactured 8 months later than the FZ100 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SZ-30MR matches up versus the FZ100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-30MR offers outer 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 FZ100 has dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FZ100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-30MR compared to the FZ100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and FZ100 is 89 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements only by looking through specifications. The photograph below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and FZ100.

To sum up, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus SZ-30MR to render extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The newer SZ-30MR should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.