Olympus SZ-30MR vs Samsung NX1

The following is a extensive assessment of the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Samsung NX1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Samsung. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and NX1 (28MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and NX1 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-30MR was launched 4 years prior to the NX1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SZ-30MR scores vs the NX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR and Samsung NX1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Samsung NX1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX1 has dimensions of 139mm x 102mm x 66mm (5.5" x 4.0" x 2.6") along with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Samsung NX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR and the NX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and NX1 is 89 and 66 respectively.

Usually, its hard to picture the gap in sensor dimensions merely by seeing a spec sheet. The picture below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and NX1.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-30MR because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX1 will show greater detail utilizing its extra 12MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged SZ-30MR will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.