Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic GH4

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic GH4, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the GH4 (16MP) is pretty close but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and GH4 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 3 years earlier than the GH4 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a in depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SZ-30MR grades against the GH4 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic GH4 has measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic GH4 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-30MR vs the GH4.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and GH4 is 89 and 66 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by looking through specs. The pic below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and GH4.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have got the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The SZ-30MR has the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder. The more aged SZ-30MR will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.