Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic GF5

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic GF5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and GF5 (12MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-30MR was revealed 13 months prior to the GF5 making them a generation away from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SZ-30MR grades vs the GF5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR features physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic GF5 has proportions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic GF5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-30MR and the GF5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and GF5 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Often, its difficult to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions merely by going through technical specs. The image below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and GF5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-30MR with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus SZ-30MR will show greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more aged SZ-30MR will be behind in sensor tech.