Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A550

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A550, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the A550 (14MP) is very well matched but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The SZ-30MR was released 15 months after the A550 making them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick view of how the SZ-30MR grades vs the A550 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides external 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) whilst the Sony A550 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A550 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-30MR compared to the A550.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and A550 is 89 and 63 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes just by looking at a spec sheet. The picture here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and A550.

Clearly, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ-30MR because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Olympus SZ-30MR will resolve more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images more aggressively. The fresher SZ-30MR provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.