Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony a5100

Following is a detailed comparison of the Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony a5100, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-30MR was announced 4 years prior to the a5100 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SZ-30MR scores versus the a5100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR & Sony Alpha a5100. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides outer measurements 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 a5100 has dimensions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") having a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony a5100 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-30MR and the a5100.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and a5100 is 89 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes merely by looking at specifications. The image below will give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-30MR and a5100.

To sum up, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-30MR using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony a5100 will resolve greater detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged SZ-30MR is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.