Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic ZS40

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic ZS40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is fairly similar and both cameras provide the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was brought out 3 years earlier than the ZS40 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the SZ-30MR matches up versus the ZS40 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic ZS40 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the ZS40.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and ZS40 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions only by reviewing technical specs. The image below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and ZS40.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS40 to offer more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged SZ-30MR is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.