Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic G3

Here is a detailed review of the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic G3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the G3 (16MP) is very close but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and G3 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was manufactured 4 months earlier than the G3 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the SZ-30MR matches up versus the G3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic G3 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-30MR features external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G3 has sizing of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic G3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ-30MR vs the G3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and G3 is 89 and 83 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through specs. The photograph below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and G3.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have got the exact same megapixels but different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR has got the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder.