Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A230

Here is a detailed assessment of the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony A230, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and A230 (10MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-30MR was brought out 22 months later than the A230 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SZ-30MR matches up against the A230 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-30MR offers 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) whilst the Sony A230 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony A230 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the A230.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and A230 is 89 and 69 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing simply by going through a spec sheet. The photograph here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and A230.

Clearly, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus SZ-30MR will provide extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The fresher SZ-30MR provides an advantage in sensor technology.