Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic GF8

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic GF8, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the GF8 (16MP) is relatively similar but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and GF8 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-30MR was released 6 years prior to the GF8 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the SZ-30MR scores against the GF8 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Panasonic GF8 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-30MR offers outer 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 GF8 has measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic GF8 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the GF8.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and GF8 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements simply by going over specifications. The visual underneath might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and GF8.

To sum up, each of these cameras provide the same resolution albeit different sensor measurements. The SZ-30MR uses the tinier sensor which should make obtaining bokeh more difficult. The older SZ-30MR is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.