Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax K-S2

Here, we are matching up the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax K-S2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was unveiled 5 years prior to the K-S2 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ-30MR grades against the K-S2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR & Pentax K-S2. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides external dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has measurements of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax K-S2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ-30MR compared to the K-S2.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and K-S2 is 89 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizes only by going through technical specs. The pic here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and K-S2.

As you have seen, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-30MR using its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Pentax K-S2 will show extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged SZ-30MR will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.