Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax X-5

Its time to take a deeper look at the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax X-5, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the X-5 (16MP) is pretty well matched and they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ-30MR was manufactured 17 months before the X-5 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SZ-30MR scores vs the X-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax X-5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Pentax X-5 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-30MR has got external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax X-5 has specifications of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") with a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax X-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-30MR and the X-5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and X-5 is 89 and 65 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions purely by checking a spec sheet. The image below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and X-5.

As you can see, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the identical megapixels so you should expect similar quality of files however you will want to consider the release date of the products into consideration. The more aged SZ-30MR is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.