Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax K-3

Below, we will be reviewing the Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax K-3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The SZ-30MR was announced 4 years prior to the K-3 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving through a detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SZ-30MR scores against the K-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax K-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR features outside 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 Pentax K-3 has proportions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax K-3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the K-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and K-3 is 89 and 59 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading technical specs. The pic below should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-30MR and K-3.

As you have seen, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-30MR with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Pentax K-3 will deliver more detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged SZ-30MR is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.