Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax K-5

Comparing the Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax K-5: A Detailed Analysis for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In a digital camera landscape shaped by rapid technological progress and niche requirements, choosing the right equipment can be overwhelming. This in-depth comparison focuses on two vastly different cameras with distinctive target markets and operational philosophies: the Olympus SZ-30MR, a compact superzoom camera launched in early 2011, and the Pentax K-5, a mid-size advanced DSLR from late 2010. Both carry identical 16-megapixel sensors but diverge fundamentally in design, feature sets, and photographic potential. My hands-on testing experience with these models over years of fieldwork provides the foundation for an expert dissection of their strengths, limitations, and suitability across key photographic disciplines.

Understanding the Design and Physical Characteristics

At first glance, these cameras serve different users, aimed respectively at enthusiasts seeking maximum zoom range in a portable form and at professionals desiring robust, versatile body and image quality.

• Olympus SZ-30MR: This compact superzoom camera is significantly smaller and lighter, measuring 106 x 69 x 40 mm and weighing just 226 g with battery. Its fixed 25-600mm equivalent zoom lens (24x optical zoom) is integrated in a pocketable housing. The body lacks a viewfinder, relying solely on a fixed 3.0-inch TFT LCD.

• Pentax K-5: This DSLR is larger and heavier at 131 x 97 x 73 mm and 740 g body alone (battery included), reflecting its mid-size SLR classification. It features an optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and a larger, higher resolution 3.0-inch LCD.

Ergonomically, the K-5 offers more substantial grips, physical controls, and customization options typical of DSLRs, while the SZ-30MR emphasizes portability and simplified operation. My prolonged handling found the K-5’s body better suited for extended shooting, particularly with long lenses or in challenging conditions due to its larger handgrip and more tactile dials.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor design is a fundamental differentiator between these two cameras, determining image fidelity, dynamic range, noise performance, and flexibility in post-processing.

• Both employ a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, but with drastically different sizes:
  • The Olympus SZ-30MR uses a 1/2.3-inch sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm² area).
  • The Pentax K-5 sports an APS-C sized sensor (23.7 x 15.7 mm, 372.09 mm² area).

The sensor size disparity translates directly into image quality outcomes. The larger APS-C sensor in the K-5 gathers more light per pixel, improving low-light sensitivity, dynamic range, and color depth. According to DxOMark tests, the K-5 scores 82 overall, indicating high-end performance for its era, with superior color depth (23.7 bits) and dynamic range (14.1 EV stops). Though the SZ-30MR lacks official DxOMark scores, its small sensor constrains image quality, especially in noise and dynamic range.

I tested both under varied lighting: the Pentax images showed well-controlled noise at ISO 3200 and even ISO 6400, with smooth tonal gradation ideal for landscapes and portraits. In contrast, the Olympus images exhibited evident noise above ISO 400, with limited dynamic range resulting in clipped highlights and blocked shadows in high-contrast scenes.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Responsiveness

AF performance and shooting speed are critical for action, wildlife, sports photography, and effective workflow.

• Olympus SZ-30MR:

  • Utilizes contrast-detection AF.
  • Single AF mode only; no continuous tracking.
  • Face detection available; no phase detection.
  • Unknown number of AF points.
  • Continuous shooting at 2 frames per second.

• Pentax K-5:

  • Hybrid AF with dedicated phase detection and contrast detection.
  • 11 AF points with 9 cross-type sensors.
  • Supports single, continuous, selective, tracking AF modes.
  • Face detection integrated.
  • Continuous shooting up to 7 frames per second.

The K-5’s multi-point phase detection AF system allows quick, accurate focus acquisition and reliable tracking of moving subjects, supported by customizable AF modes. During wildlife and sports shoots, the K-5 delivered consistent focus lock on erratically moving targets, with solid performance in low light.

The SZ-30MR's AF proved slower and less reliable in fast-paced scenarios due to contrast detection latency and limited tracking capabilities. Its 2 fps burst speed caps potential for capturing decisive moments in rapid succession.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

A camera’s durability influences usability, particularly for professionals and field photographers.

• The Olympus SZ-30MR, designed as a lightweight compact, lacks weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Its plastic body isn't designed for rough handling or harsh environmental conditions.

• The Pentax K-5 stands out for advanced environmental sealing, with dustproof and weather-resistant construction suited for outdoor photography. Although it’s neither shockproof nor freezeproof, it tolerates challenging weather better than typical DSLRs.

For outdoor landscape, wildlife, or travel photographers facing inclement weather, the K-5 offers significant reliability advantages.

Ergonomics, Controls, and User Interface

Intuitive operation and customizable controls benefit workflow efficiency, especially in professional contexts.

• The K-5 features dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation, alongside physical buttons for ISO, metering, and white balance. Its top LCD provides quick exposure info and camera settings. This contrasts with the SZ-30MR’s streamlined, minimal control surface focused on automatic modes without manual exposure compensation or priority modes.

• Rear LCDs differ as well:

  

  • The SZ-30MR’s 3.0-inch fixed TFT LCD has 460K-dot resolution, sufficient for basic framing but limited in clarity.

  • The K-5’s 3.0-inch LCD at 921K dots provides sharp, detailed image review, aiding manual focusing and image critique.

In practice, the Olympus’s simplified interface aids casual users but limits creative control. The Pentax caters to experienced photographers desiring tactile feedback and quick access to advanced parameters.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens selection fundamentally impacts photographic versatility and creative possibilities.

• The Olympus SZ-30MR employs a fixed zoom lens optimized for compact size, ranging 25-600mm equivalent aperture f/3.0-6.9. Zoom versatility is excellent for travel and wildlife but with compromises:

  • No interchangeability.
  • Slow aperture at long telephoto end restricts low-light use and bokeh quality.
  • Macro focusing down to 1 cm is an advantage.

• The Pentax K-5 uses the KAF2 mount, compatible with a vast lineup of 151 native lenses including primes, zooms, macro, and tilt-shift lenses. Apertures range widely depending on lens choice.

This enormous lens selection empowers K-5 users to customize optics for portraiture, landscapes, sports, macro, and more with superior optical quality and aperture speeds.

Image Stabilization and Exposure Control

• Both cameras feature sensor-based image stabilization. The SZ-30MR applies sensor-shift stabilization adapted for its smaller sensor and superzoom lens, compensating for camera shake at long focal lengths.

• The Pentax K-5’s in-body sensor-shift stabilization functions across all mounted optics, benefiting all lenses including legacy glass, bolstering handheld low-light and telephoto usability.

Exposure controls strongly favor the K-5 as well:

• The SZ-30MR lacks manual exposure modes (no shutter or aperture priority), fixed shutter speed range from 1/4 to 1/1700 s, and no exposure compensation. Users are limited primarily to fully automatic or scene modes.

• The K-5 offers full PASM modes with exposure compensation, supporting exposures from 30 s to 1/8000 s, essential for long exposures, flash sync, and creative control.

Video Recording Capabilities

• Olympus SZ-30MR records MPEG-4 video up to 1080p at 30 fps with basic optical zoom during recording. No microphone input available, limiting audio control.

• Pentax K-5 outputs Motion JPEG AVIs at 1080p (25 fps), 720p (25/30 fps), with an external microphone port facilitating better sound capture, a feature valuable to videographers.

Although video quality and codec choices lag behind modern standards, the K-5’s manual exposure control during video and audio inputs provide greater creative potential.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance and storage affect shooting duration, particularly important for travel and professional assignments.

• The Olympus SZ-30MR uses a proprietary Lithium-Ion pack (LI-50B) delivering approximately 220 shots per charge. This is modest and might restrict extended sessions without spare batteries.

• The Pentax K-5 utilizes the higher-capacity D-LI90 battery, yielding around 980 shots per charge, advantageous for long days without recharge.

Both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the K-5’s longer shooting time and manual override allow more shooting flexibility and session longevity.

Wireless Connectivity and Additional Features

• The SZ-30MR includes Eye-Fi card compatibility allowing Wi-Fi transfer of images when used with supported SD cards – a convenience in quick sharing situations.

• The K-5 lacks built-in wireless but offers an optional GPS module for geotagging - a feature welcomed by landscape and travel photographers.

Neither includes Bluetooth or NFC, common given release dates. Both provide HDMI output but lack headphone monitoring for video.

Pricing and Value Proposition

At launch and currently reflected prices:

• Olympus SZ-30MR retailed around $279, presenting an economical all-in-one travel zoom for casual use.

• Pentax K-5 commanded closer to $800 body only, targeting demanding amateurs and professionals desiring system expandability and image quality.

Given the difference in categories, direct price comparison is less relevant than evaluating value within each camera's scope.

Application-Specific Performance and Recommendations

To assist photographers across genres, I analyzed these cameras in real shooting disciplines.

Olympus SZ 30MR front Olympus SZ 30MR screen back Pentax K 5 front Pentax K 5 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Pentax K-5 excels in delivering accurate skin tones, smooth tonal gradation, and shallow depth-of-field control when paired with fast primes (e.g., 50mm f/1.4). Its eye detection AF and selective focus points further enhance precision.

• Olympus SZ-30MR’s limited aperture (f/3.0-6.9) and smaller sensor make natural background blur (bokeh) challenging. Face detection autofocus helps but lacks the refinement of the K-5.

Landscape Photography

• The Pentax shows superior dynamic range and resolution, with weather sealing safeguarding outdoor shoots. Its broad lens ecosystem allows ultra-wide and tilt-shift options for perspective control.

• Olympus offers convenience and zoom flexibility but suffers from limited DR, resolution, and lacks environmental resistance.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The K-5’s fast burst rate (7 fps), robust AF tracking, and superior image quality make it more suitable for capturing fast action.

• The SZ-30MR’s 2 fps and slow AF limit utility in dynamic subjects, though its 24x zoom is advantageous for distant subjects in bright light.

Street Photography

• The Olympus’s compact size favors discretion and portability, but slower AF may hinder chance captures in low light.

• The Pentax is larger and more conspicuous but offers precise manual controls beneficial for deliberate shooting.

Macro Photography

• Olympus macro mode focusing down to 1 cm offers close focusing without additional lenses.

• Pentax depends on macro lenses but provides more precise focusing mechanisms and stabilization.

Night and Astrophotography

• Pentax’s higher ISO capability, bulb mode, and longer shutter speeds outperform Olympus in low light and night scenarios.

• The SZ-30MR’s limited ISO and exposure range restrict astrophotography.

Video

• Pentax offers manual controls and microphone input despite dated codec.

• Olympus is simpler, with no audio inputs.

Travel Photography

• If size and zoom range dominate, Olympus wins.

• If image quality and flexibility prevail, Pentax is preferred despite bulkier form factor.

Professional Work

• The K-5’s file format support, manual controls, and lens system make it suitable for professional output.

• SZ-30MR is insufficient for professional requirements.

Comprehensive Performance Ratings

The Pentax K-5 consistently outperforms the Olympus SZ-30MR overall, reflecting its advanced sensor, build, and controls. However, the SZ-30MR fills a niche for travel photographers prioritizing compactness and zoom reach over manual control and top-tier quality.

Conclusion: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Selecting between the Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax K-5 hinges on your photographic priorities.

• Choose the Olympus SZ-30MR if you:

  • Want a lightweight all-in-one superzoom camera.
  • Prioritize portability and simplicity over manual controls.
  • Shoot mostly casual, daylight images with occasional macro.
  • Seek budget-friendly entry into versatile focal lengths without lens changes.

• Choose the Pentax K-5 if you:

  • Demand professional-grade image quality and versatility.
  • Require robust weather sealing for outdoor use.
  • Value manual exposure modes, fast AF, and extensive lens options.
  • Shoot diverse genres: portraits, landscapes, sports, wildlife, low-light.
  • Need longer battery life and professional workflow compatibility.

This analysis is based on extensive hands-on testing, technical performance benchmarks, and real-world shooting scenarios. Prospective buyers should consider their specific use cases and whether compact portability or DSLR-grade capabilities align better with their creative ambitions.

Author's Note: Both cameras represent their release eras' engineering efforts and serve as instructive case studies in balancing convenience versus control. Always pairing the right gear to your photographic goals remains the core to successful imaging outcomes.

Please reach out for more specialized gear advice or field-test insights tailored to your photography interests.