Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A850

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A850, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and A850 (25MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and A850 (Full frame) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The SZ-30MR was brought out 11 months later than the A850 and they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the SZ-30MR grades versus the A850 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR & Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Sony A850 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-30MR enjoys physical 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 A850 has sizing of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") having a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A850 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR and the A850.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and A850 is 89 and 54 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specifications. The graphic below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and A850.

To sum up, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR due to its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh tougher and the Sony A850 will give more detail having its extra 9MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more recent SZ-30MR will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.