Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax K-1

Following is a extended assessment of the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Pentax K-1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a large gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) use totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-30MR was unveiled 6 years before the K-1 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SZ-30MR matches up versus the K-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR & Pentax K-1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides outer 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) whilst the Pentax K-1 has dimensions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") along with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Pentax K-1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the K-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and K-1 is 89 and 55 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by reviewing specs. The image underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and K-1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-30MR with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-1 will offer more detail having an extra 20 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged SZ-30MR is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.