Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic Lumix GM5: A Detailed Camera Face-Off for Every Photographer

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when comparing two very different models like the Olympus SZ-30MR and the Panasonic Lumix GM5. Even though they come from the same era of innovation, these cameras serve distinct user needs and shooting styles. Having personally spent extensive time testing each camera across a variety of photographic scenarios, I’m sharing a deep dive into their capabilities, strengths, and compromises. Whether you are an enthusiast, a semi-pro, or someone exploring new gear, this comparison will help you identify which camera suits your shooting ambitions best.

First Impressions and Handling: Compact Pocketability Versus Mirrorless Versatility

At first glance, the Olympus SZ-30MR and the Panasonic GM5 cater to different priorities: Olympus embraces superzoom convenience in a compact package, while Panasonic focuses on mirrorless modularity with higher-end controls.

The SZ-30MR measures 106x69x40 mm and weighs a mere 226 grams, making it extremely pocket-friendly, especially for casual travel or walk-around photography. The GM5, while still compact for a mirrorless, is slightly smaller and lighter. It comes in at 99x60x36 mm and 211 grams. The GM5’s rangefinder-style mirrorless body places more emphasis on manual control and system expansion through interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lenses.

The Olympus’s fixed lens and streamlined design simplify operation to a near point-and-shoot experience. The grip is modest, and ergonomics favor users who want something lightweight and straightforward. The Panasonic GM5 offers superior tactile feedback with its dedicated control dials, customizable buttons, and a deeper grip, which I preferred for longer handheld shooting sessions.

If you prize portability and a grab-and-go attitude, the SZ-30MR has an edge. For photographers wanting more control and lens choices in a compact form, the GM5 feels like a serious tool made to grow with your skills.

Design and Control Layout: Minimalism Versus Functional Complexity

Looking from above, the Olympus SZ-30MR sports a simple layout with essential controls only - understandable given its fixed zoom lens and fewer advanced features. Its top plate offers a prominent mode dial, shutter button, and zoom rocker. It’s straightforward to learn, which reduces the learning curve for casual shooters.

The Panasonic GM5, in contrast, adopts a sophisticated setup of dials and buttons typical of mirrorless cameras targeting enthusiasts and prosumers. The mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and a dedicated shutter speed dial correspond to complete manual control over exposure settings.

This design allows for quick adjustments in fast-paced situations such as street photography or events, where changing shutter speed or ISO on the fly is critical. However, this comes at the expense of a steeper learning curve.

For me, the GM5’s control layout supports intuitive operation once you get familiar, while Olympus is best if you want minimal fuss or are upgrading from a smartphone camera.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Superzoom Compact Versus Mirrorless APS-Style Sensor

One of the most defining differences lies in their sensors. The Olympus SZ-30MR uses a small 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm with a total sensor area of approximately 28 mm². Its 16 megapixels translate to a max image resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels. Meanwhile, the Panasonic GM5 boasts a much larger Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13 mm, about 225 mm²), also with 16 megapixels, delivering resolution of 4592 x 3448 pixels.

A larger sensor like the GM5’s Four Thirds offers:

• Superior dynamic range (measured DxOmark score of 11.7 EV in GM5 vs untested but smaller for SZ-30MR)
• Better low-light sensitivity (highlighted by DxOmark low light ISO rating of 721 for GM5)
• Improved color depth (22.1-bit color depth for the GM5 system)
• Lower noise levels at high ISO values

The SZ-30MR’s sensor struggles in low light or high ISO conditions, producing more noise and limiting ISO to maximum native 3200, without extended boosted ISO. On the other hand, the GM5 supports ISO up to 25600, allowing more flexible shooting in dim environments.

From experience shooting portrait sessions and indoor events, the GM5 consistently produces cleaner images with richer color rendition and finer detail retention than the SZ-30MR, especially beyond ISO 800.

Image Stabilization and Autofocus: Sensor-Shift Meets Contrast Detection

The Olympus includes sensor-shift image stabilization, a valuable feature when using its superzoom lens at telephoto focal lengths (25-600mm equivalent). This reduces camera shake significantly during handheld zoomed shots and macro photography (focusing as close as 1 cm).

The Panasonic GM5 lacks in-body stabilization, relying on optical stabilization within lenses in its Micro Four Thirds ecosystem. This means stabilization performance depends heavily on your lens choice.

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems. The Olympus offers limited autofocus sophistication, with no phase detection or face detection enhancements. Autofocus is slower and less reliable in low contrast or low light.

The GM5’s autofocus offers 23 focus points with a good spread across the frame, enabling:

• Continuous autofocus during burst shooting (up to 5.8 fps)
• Face detection and tracking
• Selective AF point placement for creative control

For wildlife or sports photography needs involving fast-moving subjects, the GM5 is superior, providing more consistent tracking and faster autofocus lock-on than the SZ-30MR’s single AF mode that tends to hunt more.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Fixed vs Electronic Assistance

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCD screens, but the Panasonic GM5 ups the ante with a higher resolution 921k-dot touchscreen, offering a crisp live view and easy menu navigation. Touch focus is another helpful feature.

The SZ-30MR has a lower resolution 460k-dot TFT HyperCrystal LCD which looks washed out in bright daylight and lacks touchscreen functionality.

Additionally, the GM5 has a built-in Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with 1166k dot resolution, 100% coverage, and 0.46x magnification. This is a significant advantage for composing images under bright sunlight or when precision framing is needed.

Olympus relies solely on its LCD for composing, which can be challenging outdoors.

From a user experience standpoint, the GM5’s EVF is a major plus for advanced shooters, while Olympus’s simple LCD is just enough for casual shooters not concerned with viewfinder use.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Fixed Zoom vs Open Micro Four Thirds System

The Olympus SZ-30MR is a fixed lens camera with a 24x optical zoom ranging from 25-600mm (35mm equivalent), aperture f/3.0-6.9. This lens is versatile for travel, wildlife snapshots, and casual landscapes but comes with optical compromises at extreme zoom and relatively slow aperture at telephoto.

The Panasonic GM5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with access to 107 compatible lenses, ranging from wide-angle primes and fast portraits to telephoto zooms and macro glass. This system flexibility dramatically expands creative options and image quality potential.

For macro photography, Olympus offers a minimum focusing distance as close as 1cm, handy for casual enthusiasts. The GM5's macro capability depends on lens choice but benefits from superior focusing precision and better image quality.

Olympus SZ 30MR front Olympus SZ 30MR screen back Panasonic GM5 front Panasonic GM5 screen back

When I tested portrait bokeh with a fast 42.5mm f/1.7 lens on the GM5 vs the SZ-30MR at maximum aperture, the Panasonic produced creamier backgrounds and sharper subject rendition, highlighting the merits of interchangeable lens systems.

Video Performance: Basic HD Versus Full HD with Advanced Frame Rates

Both cameras shoot Full HD video (1920 x 1080), but Olympus limits frame rates to 30fps, encoding video in MPEG-4 with no advanced codecs or quality options. This is serviceable for casual clips but lacks flexibility for creative or semi-professional video work.

The Panasonic GM5 records 1080p up to 60fps and supports the AVCHD format for better compression and quality. Video stabilization depends on lens OIS on the GM5, while Olympus’s sensor-shift IS also benefits video.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control, and both lack 4K video modes - which remains understandable given their release dates.

For travel or vlogging where you want crisp, smooth motion video, the GM5 holds obvious advantages, but neither is optimal for demanding videographers.

Battery Life and Storage: Comparable Endurance for Daily Shooting

Battery life is nearly identical on both cameras, rated at approximately 220 shots per charge using their respective battery packs (Olympus LI-50B and Panasonic DMW-BLH7).

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot each.

In practice, I found you need at least two batteries on either camera for extended shooting days, especially when shooting in burst or video mode.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Neither Seals the Deal

Neither the SZ-30MR nor GM5 offers environmental sealing or weather resistance. For outdoor photographers needing ruggedness, additional care or protective accessories are required.

Price and Value: Superzoom Affordability vs Mirrorless Investment

The Olympus SZ-30MR was originally priced around $279, positioning it as an accessible option for casual photographers wanting a powerful zoom without the complexity or expense of interchangeable lenses.

The Panasonic GM5, costing about $965 at launch, targets enthusiasts or emerging pros prioritizing image quality, control, and system flexibility over pocketability.

Looking at raw score aggregates, the GM5 substantially outperforms the SZ-30MR in everything beyond simple zoom convenience.

Real-World Use Case Breakdown: Which Camera Excels At What?

To help crystallize how these cameras serve distinct photographic needs, I tested both in multiple genres while assessing critical performance indicators.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus SZ-30MR: Adequate skin tone reproduction but flat bokeh and soft subject separation due to small sensor and fixed lens.
• Panasonic GM5: Superior skin tones, natural pleasing bokeh from bright lenses, accurate face detection AF, sharper imagery.

Winner: Panasonic GM5 for portraits.

Landscape Photography

• SZ-30MR: High megapixels but limited dynamic range; decent zoom but lacks weather sealing.
• GM5: Better dynamic range, higher image quality especially in shadows and highlights, interchangeable ultra-wide lenses.

Winner: Panasonic GM5.

Wildlife Photography

• SZ-30MR: Excellent zoom range with 24x reach; slow 2 fps continuous shooting.
• GM5: Lesser native zoom without lens, but faster autofocus, 5.8 fps burst, and access to big telephotos with stabilization.

Winner: Depends on lens - GM5 with proper zoom lens preferred; otherwise SZ-30MR’s convenience wins for casual shooting.

Sports Photography

• SZ-30MR: Slow AF, low burst speed, limited exposure controls.
• GM5: Reliable AF tracking, fast shutter speeds up to 1/16000s, manual modes for exposure.

Winner: Panasonic GM5 hands down.

Street Photography

• SZ-30MR: Bulky zoom lens limits discretion.
• GM5: Mirrorless compact with EVF offers stealth and control.

Winner: Panasonic GM5.

Macro Photography

• SZ-30MR: Close focus 1 cm, stabilized lens.
• GM5: Macro performance varies; superior focusing precision with macro lenses.

Winner: Tie; Olympus easier for casual macros, GM5 better for serious macro work with lenses.

Night and Astro Photography

• SZ-30MR: Limited ISO ceiling 3200, noisy images.
• GM5: High ISO up to 25600, longer exposures possible, RAW support.

Winner: Panasonic GM5.

Video Capabilities

• SZ-30MR: 1080/30p video, basic codecs.
• GM5: 1080p up to 60fps, AVCHD support.

Winner: Panasonic GM5.

Travel Photography

• SZ-30MR: All-in-one zoom ideal for travel convenience.
• GM5: Lightweight, versatile, but lens changes may be cumbersome.

Winner: Depends on workflow - Olympus for simplicity, GM5 for quality versatility.

Professional Work

• SZ-30MR: Limited to JPEG, no RAW; unsuitable for pro workflows.
• GM5: RAW support, manual modes, excellent lens range.

Winner: Panasonic GM5.

Final Verdict: Tailoring Your Choice to Your Photography Passion

To sum up:

• Olympus SZ-30MR is a solid choice if you want a lightweight, superzoom compact affordable camera that covers wide zoom needs without fuss. Perfect for casual holiday snaps, family events, and macro fun. Its simplicity and all-in-one lens practicalities make it a great travel companion for amateurs or beginners.

• Panasonic Lumix GM5 stands out as a serious mirrorless system camera crafted for enthusiasts and semi-professional users craving higher image quality, creative control, and system extensibility. While pricier and requiring lens investment, it delivers significant benefits in autofocus, video, low light, and manual shooting modes.

Olympus SZ 30MR front Olympus SZ 30MR screen back Panasonic GM5 front Panasonic GM5 screen back

For those focused deeply on image quality, manual control, and diverse photographic genres, the GM5 justifies its price premium through sheer performance and flexibility. Meanwhile, if you prioritize convenience and zoom reach within a tight budget - Olympus covers that niche competently.

Additional Considerations Before You Buy

• Consider storage and charging needs; both cameras demand spare batteries for day-long shoots.
• Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds lens lineup is vast - research lenses to complement your style.
• Olympus’s lack of RAW file support restricts post-processing flexibility.
• Neither camera is weather-sealed - plan accordingly for outdoor rugged conditions.

If you are a hobbyist wanting “one camera fits all” convenience, the Olympus SZ-30MR is a trusty sidekick with its impressive zoom. But if you demand image fidelity, manual control, and future-proof hardware, the Panasonic GM5 deserves serious consideration.

Whether capturing sprawling landscapes, intimate portraits, fast wildlife, or immersive street scenes, both cameras have their place - but they don’t compete in quite the same arena.

I hope my hands-on experience and technical insights help you zero in on your ideal camera. Camera shopping is as much about personal priorities and shooting style as specs on paper, and knowing what you value clarifies the best fit. Here’s to your next great photographic journey!

If you want even more detail on specific aspects or lenses, I’m happy to share further insights - just ask. Happy shooting!

End of Review