Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax P70

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax P70, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and P70 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-30MR was released 2 years after the P70 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the SZ-30MR scores versus the P70 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax Optio P70. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Pentax P70 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-30MR enjoys exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax P70 has measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax P70 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR vs the P70.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and P70 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Often, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions merely by checking specifications. The picture below might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and P70.

Plainly, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Olympus SZ-30MR to give you more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The newer SZ-30MR will have an edge in sensor technology.