Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A380

Below is a complete review of the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A380, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the A380 (14MP) is pretty similar but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and A380 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was brought out 19 months later than the A380 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SZ-30MR matches up against the A380 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony A380 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR features outside dimensions 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 A380 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 519 grams (1.14 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A380 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-30MR and the A380.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and A380 is 89 and 68 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading a spec sheet. The visual underneath may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and A380.

Clearly, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ-30MR featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-30MR will offer greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The younger SZ-30MR should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.