Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax ist DL2

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax ist DL2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 5 years after the ist DL2 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SZ-30MR matches up vs the ist DL2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax ist DL2. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera often, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax ist DL2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax ist DL2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR against the ist DL2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and ist DL2 is 89 and 69 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to envision the gap in sensor dimensions simply by viewing a spec sheet. The picture underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and ist DL2.

As you can see, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-30MR having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Olympus SZ-30MR will provide you with extra detail using its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The newer SZ-30MR will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.