Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A300

Here is a in depth assessment of the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A300, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and A300 (10MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and A300 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-30MR was manufactured 3 years later than the A300 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the SZ-30MR scores vs the A300 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony A300 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR has got exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony A300 has proportions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A300 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-30MR and the A300.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and A300 is 89 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by going over specs. The photograph underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and A300.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Olympus SZ-30MR will offer extra detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The more recent SZ-30MR will have a benefit in sensor technology.