Olympus SZ-30MR vs Samsung GX-20

Following is a thorough assessment of the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Samsung GX-20, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the GX-20 (15MP) is very well matched but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and GX-20 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-30MR was announced 3 years after the GX-20 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Samsung GX-20 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SZ-30MR scores vs the GX-20 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR & Samsung GX-20. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Samsung GX-20 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-30MR has 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) and the Samsung GX-20 has specifications of 142mm x 101mm x 72mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Samsung GX-20 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the SZ-30MR against the GX-20.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and GX-20 is 89 and 58 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through specs. The image below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and GX-20.

All in all, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ-30MR having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Olympus SZ-30MR will give extra detail with its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher SZ-30MR is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.