Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony NEX-5R

Let's look closer at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony NEX-5R, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is very close but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) have totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-30MR was unveiled 18 months earlier than the NEX-5R making them a generation away from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SZ-30MR matches up versus the NEX-5R when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-30MR enjoys external measurements 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 NEX-5R has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the NEX-5R.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and NEX-5R is 89 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to envision the gap in sensor sizes purely by viewing specifications. The pic below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-30MR and NEX-5R.

Plainly, both of these cameras provide the same MP but not the same sensor sizes. The SZ-30MR provides the smaller sensor which should make achieving bokeh more difficult. The more aged SZ-30MR will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.