Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A500

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and A500 (12MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was released 19 months later than the A500 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SZ-30MR grades against the A500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-30MR features exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony A500 has sizing of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SZ-30MR vs the A500.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and A500 is 89 and 63 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to see the gap in sensor sizing just by looking through technical specs. The visual below will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and A500.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR because of its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Olympus SZ-30MR will render extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images much more aggressively. The younger SZ-30MR will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.