Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic L1

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic L1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and L1 (7MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and L1 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-30MR was announced 3 years later than the L1 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SZ-30MR grades vs the L1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic L1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-30MR has external dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic L1 has sizing of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic L1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-30MR compared to the L1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and L1 is 89 and 65 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and L1.

Clearly, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Olympus SZ-30MR will offer greater detail with its extra 9 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The younger SZ-30MR is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.