Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax Q-S1

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was launched 4 years earlier than the Q-S1 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a quick overview of how the SZ-30MR scores against the Q-S1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax Q-S1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-30MR offers external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax Q-S1 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-30MR vs the Q-S1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and Q-S1 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specifications. The photograph below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-30MR and Q-S1.

To sum up, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus SZ-30MR will deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images way more aggressively. The older SZ-30MR is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.