Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic GH3

Below is a extensive comparison of the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic GH3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the GH3 (16MP) is fairly close but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was released 18 months before the GH3 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SZ-30MR scores against the GH3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. 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) whilst the Panasonic GH3 has dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic GH3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the GH3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and GH3 is 89 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements just by viewing technical specs. The graphic underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-30MR and GH3.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but different sensor measurements. The SZ-30MR comes with the smaller sensor which will make getting shallower depth of field tougher. The older SZ-30MR will be behind in sensor tech.