Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic GF3

Below, we will be reviewing the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic GF3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and GF3 (12MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-30MR was announced 5 months prior to the GF3 so they are of a similar age. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SZ-30MR grades vs the GF3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-30MR offers external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF3 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic GF3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-30MR vs the GF3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and GF3 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by checking out technical specs. The pic below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and GF3.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-30MR having a smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh tougher and the Olympus SZ-30MR will provide extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots much more aggressively.