Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic TS1

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic TS1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and TS1 (12MP) but they possess the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 2 years after the TS1 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short view of how the SZ-30MR grades against the TS1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic TS1 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-30MR offers outside measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic TS1 has dimensions of 98mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 0.9") with a weight of 189 grams (0.42 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic TS1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-30MR compared to the TS1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and TS1 is 89 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor sizes only by looking at specifications. The pic below might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-30MR and TS1.

To sum up, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You should anticipate the Olympus SZ-30MR to resolve more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more recent SZ-30MR provides an edge in sensor technology.