Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic ZR1

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic ZR1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and ZR1 (12MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-30MR was brought out 20 months later than the ZR1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a brief summary of how the SZ-30MR grades vs the ZR1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-30MR comes with outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR1 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic ZR1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-30MR against the ZR1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and ZR1 is 89 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor sizing only by reviewing technical specs. The visual here might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and ZR1.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different MP. You can expect to see the Olympus SZ-30MR to offer you extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The fresher SZ-30MR should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.