Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A330

In this article, we are reviewing the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A330, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and A330 (10MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and A330 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SZ-30MR was revealed 22 months later than the A330 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony A330 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the SZ-30MR matches up vs the A330 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR & Sony Alpha DSLR-A330. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Sony A330 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides outer 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 Sony A330 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 529 grams (1.17 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A330 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-30MR vs the A330.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and A330 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing just by looking through technical specs. The photograph here may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and A330.

As you have seen, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Olympus SZ-30MR will result in greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images far more aggressively. The younger SZ-30MR should have a benefit in sensor technology.