Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax X90: A Hands-On Duel of Small Sensor Superzooms

Digital photography enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads when choosing a camera capable of long reach without the bulk and complexity of interchangeable lenses. In the compact bridge camera realm, the Olympus SZ-30MR and the Pentax X90 have long stood as contenders in the superzoom category. Announced within a year of each other - Olympus’s model arriving in early 2011, and Pentax’s a bit before, mid-2010 - both pack a punch with massive zoom ranges but come from distinct design philosophies and technical pedigrees.

Having personally held, tested, and shot extensively with both, I’m eager to share a comprehensive comparison that digs beneath spec sheets to real-world performance. We’ll explore everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus systems, and how these cameras perform across diverse photographic genres. Through my 15+ years of camera testing, I’ve learned that a spec touted as “awesome” on paper doesn’t always translate to excellent photos, so expect an honest, experience-rich journey with both cameras.

Let’s start by laying out their foundational differences, then dive deep into what matters most to photographers hunting for an effective superzoom camera.

Size & Handling: Compact Versus Classic Bridge Form

First impressions matter. Olympus’s SZ-30MR arrives in a neat, compact package: approximately 106 x 69 x 40 mm (roughly the size of a thick smartphone) and weighing in at just 226 grams. That’s featherweight for a superzoom, unquestionably travel-friendly. Pentax’s X90, on the other hand, embraces the traditional “bridge” camera aesthetic - SLR-like body with pronounced grip, measuring 111 x 85 x 110 mm and tipping the scales around 428 grams. It’s nearly twice as heavy and notably chunkier.

From a tactile standpoint, the X90 feels more substantial and, in my experience, more comfortable for longer shooting sessions, especially with its textured grip. Olympus sacrifices heft for portability but provides enough stability to shoot handheld without strain. If you’re the type to carry your camera everywhere casually - pocketing it in a day bag or even a generous coat pocket - the SZ-30MR wins. But if extended ergonomics and robust handling are your priorities, the X90 takes the cake.

Designing the User Journey: Controls & Interface

A camera’s usability is often judged holistically - not just button layouts but the entire interaction ecosystem. The SZ-30MR offers a clean, minimalistic top and rear control scheme with a fixed 3-inch 460k-dot TFT LCD. Pentax, leaning on the bridge camera tradition, supplies a slightly smaller 2.7-inch, 230k-dot fixed screen alongside an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

The Olympus lacks any viewfinder - optical or electronic - relying on the LCD for composition, while the X90’s EVF is a vital tool for bright-light shooting or when you want to stabilize the camera against your face. This key design difference influences shooting style considerably: the SZ-30MR demands more LCD use, which can be challenging in direct sunlight, whereas the X90’s EVF offers versatility but comes at the cost of bulk.

Olympus simplifies exposure controls: no manual modes, no shutter priority, no aperture priority - just autofocus with some scene modes. Pentax, by contrast, caters to advanced users with manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and exposure compensation. I found the X90’s control layout more intuitive for photographers who appreciate granular control. The Olympus feels more newbie-oriented, leaning on automatic settings.

Peering Inside: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Now to the heart of any digital camera - the sensor. Both cameras use 1/2.3” sensors, standard for superzooms of this vintage, but their sensor technologies differ sharply:

• Olympus SZ-30MR: 16MP CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm sensor area)
• Pentax X90: 12MP CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm sensor area)

The Olympus’s CMOS sensor typically offers faster readout speeds and better high ISO performance due to the inherent CMOS advantages. The 16MP resolution gives a slight edge in detail potential. However, the Olympus includes an antialiasing filter, which smooths out moiré at the cost of crispness - typical for cameras not intending ultra-high resolution imagery.

The Pentax’s CCD sensor, revered in the 2000s for image quality despite its age, brings a different character - often rendering colors with pleasing warmth but suffering from higher noise levels at elevated ISOs.

Practical experience shows that both cameras excel in good light (ISO 80-200), producing respectable, detailed JPEGs with reasonable dynamic range for their sensor class. But push ISO past 400, and the Olympus’s CMOS sensor better controls noise, making it the more versatile choice for low-light shooting.

Keep in mind, neither supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - a common compromise in fixed lens, superzoom compacts of this tier.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking the Action

Superzoom cameras often struggle with autofocus speed and accuracy, especially while hunting birds or sports action. So how do these two fare?

Both rely on contrast-detection autofocus with multi-area selection capabilities - no fancy phase detection here. The Olympus SZ-30MR supports face detection, adding some AI-driven lock-on capability, while the Pentax X90 surprisingly lacks this modern convenience.

Olympus’s AF trigger is quick and generally reliable in good light, snapping into focus within half a second. Pentax feels a bit slower and hesitates more in low contrast or dim conditions. Neither is a speed demon: continuous shooting rates max out at 2 fps on the Olympus and unspecified (but similar) on the Pentax. In burst mode, you’ll likely hit buffer limits fast.

Olympus SZ 30MR front Olympus SZ 30MR screen back Pentax X90 front Pentax X90 screen back

For wildlife and sports photographers, especially those shooting birds in flight or fast-moving subjects, neither camera is ideal, but Olympus’s subtle face detection and slightly faster autofocus lend it an edge. Pentax’s 9 focus points offer marginally more versatility but without the speed.

Image Stabilization, Macro, and Close-Up Performance

Superzooms’ inherently long focal lengths magnify handshake, necessitating effective stabilization. Both cameras employ sensor-shift image stabilization systems, which perform admirably within their mechanical limits.

I found Olympus's system slightly more effective in practice, allowing safe handheld sharpness at roughly 1/15th to 1/20th of a second at full zoom, compared to Pentax’s slightly less confident stabilization under similar conditions.

On the macro front, both impress with an extremely close minimum focus distance of about 1 cm, allowing detailed close-ups of tiny subjects, from flowers to insects. However, the Olympus’s lens maxes out at F6.9 at telephoto, slightly slower than Pentax’s F5.0, which helps the Pentax in brighter close-ups.

The lack of focus bracketing or stacking in either camera means macro shooters must rely on careful manual techniques, especially since Olympus lacks any manual focus ring and depends entirely on the autofocus system.

Video Capabilities: HD but Tread Carefully

When it comes to video, neither camera dazzles but both cover basics with modest flair.

• Olympus SZ-30MR: Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, MPEG-4 format
• Pentax X90: HD 1280 x 720 at 30/15 fps, Motion JPEG format

Here, Olympus clearly wins with higher resolution and more modern codec support. Motion JPEG on the Pentax leads to larger, less efficient files and potential quality degradation in motion scenes.

Neither camera provides microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control. Stabilization during video recording owes to sensor-shift systems on both, which reduce jitter but can’t compete with modern hybrid stabilization techniques.

If video is important, Olympus’s brighter screen and Full HD offering make it preferable. That said, neither camera matches quality or flexibility of modern mirrorless or DSLR video.

Battery Life & Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery endurance is often overlooked but vital in the field. Olympus’s SZ-30MR uses a rechargeable lithium-ion pack (LI-50B) rated at about 220 shots per charge - a figure consistent with similar compacts from the era.

Pentax X90 uses a D-L106 battery with unspecified official rating; my testing averaged closer to 180 shots per charge under mixed use. Its slightly heavier body and electronic viewfinder put extra strain on power.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the Pentax supporting internal memory as a backup. Neither offers dual card slots, not surprising at this price and category.

Build Quality & Weather Resistance: Toughness Test

Neither camera offers significant weather sealing or ruggedness certifications. Olympus weighs in lighter but with modest build quality - plastic dominates, though ergonomics and fit feel trusted for casual outdoor use.

Pentax’s bulkier body affords a more solid impression at first touch, but still no weatherproofing. Both should be handled with care in adverse conditions - rain or dust require added protection.

Lens and Zoom Flexibility: Reach and Aperture

These fixed superzoom lenses highlight the core selling point: insane reach in a single body.

• Olympus SZ-30MR: 25-600 mm equivalent (24x zoom), f/3.0–6.9
• Pentax X90: 26-676 mm equivalent (26x zoom), f/2.8–5.0

Pentax edges Olympus slightly in reach (676 mm vs. 600 mm) and aperture, boasting a brighter f/2.8 at wide angle, advantageous in low light and for faster shutter speeds. At the tele end, Olympus’s f/6.9 is a bit slower, affecting exposure and autofocus performance.

In real conditions, Pentax’s longer zoom can be a boon for birding or distant surveillance, but the Olympus’s slightly wider starting focal length better accommodates landscapes and indoor shots.

The absence of interchangeable lenses relegates photographers to living with these compromises.

Shooting Across Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

With the technicalities discussed, how do these cameras fare across photographic tasks? Let’s map strengths and weaknesses:

Portrait Photography

Portraiture demands pleasing skin tones, smooth bokeh, and reliable face/eye detect autofocus.

• Olympus SZ-30MR: Face detection autofocus is a plus, though no eye detect. Bokeh is limited by small sensor and lens aperture, yielding average background separation. Color rendition is neutral and reliable.
• Pentax X90: Lacks face detection but offers manual exposure control to tweak looks. Background blur remains shallow due to sensor size and lens constraints.

Neither achieves DSLR-style portraits but Olympus’s face detection makes casual portraits easier. Pentax appeals to those wanting exposure creativity.

Landscape Photography

Key factors include resolution, dynamic range, and wide-angle performance.

• Olympus’s 16MP sensor offers slightly more detail. Starting zoom at 25 mm (equivalent) helps capture expansive scenes. Dynamic range is moderate - typical for small sensor cameras.
• Pentax’s slightly lower resolution (12MP) is adequate, though 26 mm start is marginally tighter. CCD color science offers punchy colors, which some find pleasing for landscapes.

Since neither sports weather sealing, both require caution outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

Critical needs: autofocus speed, zoom reach, high ISO capability.

• Pentax’s longer reach (676 mm) and brighter tele aperture give it the edge. However, autofocus lags.
• Olympus’s faster AF and face detection help lock on animals under good light, but shorter zoom and slower aperture limit reach and clarity.

Neither is truly suited for serious wildlife; dedicated supertele or mirrorless systems outperform.

Sports Photography

Fast autofocus tracking, high frame rates, and precise exposure control rule.

• Pentax’s manual modes and exposure compensation offer control.
• Olympus’s 2 fps burst and limited exposure control hamper fast action usage.

Both are compromises; enthusiast sports shooters will want faster options.

Street Photography

Requires discreet, portable, quick cameras.

• Olympus shines here - small, light, simple controls.
• Pentax’s bulk and slower autofocus limit candid shooting agility.

Macro Photography

Both can focus as close as 1 cm, which is excellent.

• Olympus’s sensor shift stabilization aids handheld macro.
• Pentax’s brighter aperture assists with lighting.

Manual focus absence on Olympus and lack of focus stacking on both limit creative macro techniques.

Night and Astrophotography

ISO performance and exposure precision are vital.

• Olympus's CMOS sensor outperforms Pentax CCD at high ISO.
• Neither offers bulb mode or manual exposure on the Olympus; Pentax supports manual modes but sensor noise limits quality.

Neither is ideal for astrophotography but Olympus fares better in casual night scenes.

Video Recording

Olympus offers full HD 1080p vs. Pentax’s 720p max.

• Olympus records smoother video with better compression.
• Pentax’s MJPEG format and lower resolution limit video quality.

Neither rival dedicated camcorders or modern mirrorless hybrids but Olympus is the better casual video tool.

Travel Photography

Needs versatility, battery longevity, and compactness.

• Olympus’s smaller size and lighter weight suit day-long travel.
• Pentax’s more extensive zoom and manual control favor deliberate shooting but add bulk.

Professional Use

Neither camera supports RAW or robust workflows; limited reliability and features restrict professional potential. Both remain consumer-oriented superzooms.

Technical Summary at a Glance

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Olympus SZ-30MR if:

  • You want a compact, travel-friendly superzoom camera that's easy to carry.
  • Face detection autofocus and Full HD video are important.
  • You prefer a straightforward interface without fiddly manual modes.
  • Light to moderate shooting and casual photography are your main goals.
  • Budget is more restrictive.

• Choose the Pentax X90 if:

  • Manual exposure control and custom white balance are must-haves.
  • You want the longest possible zoom reach with a brighter lens.
  • An electronic viewfinder matters for composing shots in bright sunlight.
  • You favor a robust grip and more traditional DSLR-style handling.
  • Accepting larger size and weight is not an issue.

Tested Across Photography Types: A Detailed Visual Breakdown

From street to wildlife and video to night photography, the Olympus scores higher for travel, street, and video due to compact size and video specs. Pentax leads in landscapes, wildlife reach, and manual control for enthusiasts willing to carry extra weight.

Wrapping Up: Which Small Sensor Superzoom Earns Your Dollars?

Both Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax X90 represent middling yet capable offerings in the small sensor superzoom niche, delivering long zoom ranges with trade-offs. Olympus wins on portability, autofocus modernity, and video resolution. Pentax offers better manual control, optical reach, and the all-important electronic viewfinder.

Despite their limitations - plastic build, lack of RAW, slower AF - they can be rewarding companions for casual shooters, travelers, or those on tighter budgets craving a “one-lens-does-all” option.

Personally, I found the Olympus SZ-30MR to be a charming, grab-and-go superzoom with reliable autofocus and surprisingly good images for its size. The Pentax X90, while bulkier and less nimble, appeals to shooters who want more control, longer reach, and don’t mind the heft.

In today’s market, with smartphones encroaching on compact camera territory and hybrid mirrorless cameras flooding in, neither model competes with modern peers on every front. Yet if legacy superzooms still fascinate you, this direct comparison presents clear distinctions to help target your specific photographic needs.

Happy shooting, no matter which side of the zoom you choose!