Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A290

Below, we are looking at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony A290, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is fairly close but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 9 months later than the A290 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SZ-30MR grades against the A290 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR has physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony A290 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony A290 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR against the A290.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and A290 is 89 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to see the contrast in sensor measurements merely by viewing specifications. The graphic below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and A290.

Plainly, each of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ-30MR using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Olympus SZ-30MR will result in greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos much more aggressively. The fresher SZ-30MR will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.