Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic FZ35

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Panasonic FZ35, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and FZ35 (12MP) but both cameras have the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-30MR was brought out 8 months later than the FZ35 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ35 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ-30MR scores against the FZ35 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic FZ35 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides outside measurements 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 FZ35 has specifications of 118mm x 76mm x 89mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 3.5") along with a weight of 397 grams (0.88 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Panasonic FZ35 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ-30MR compared to the FZ35.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and FZ35 is 89 and 72 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reading through technical specs. The visual below might provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-30MR and FZ35.

As you have seen, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Olympus SZ-30MR to give you more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures more aggressively. The younger SZ-30MR will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.