Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic LX5

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic LX5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and LX5 (10MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") boast different sensor size.

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The SZ-30MR was announced 9 months prior to the LX5 so they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a thorough comparison, here is a short view of how the SZ-30MR matches up against the LX5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-30MR features exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic LX5 has measurements of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic LX5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR and the LX5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and LX5 is 89 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over a spec sheet. The visual here might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and LX5.

As you can see, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Olympus SZ-30MR will offer you greater detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older SZ-30MR is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.