Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony HX1

The following is a extensive assessment of the Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") possess different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-30MR was announced 23 months after the HX1 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SZ-30MR matches up versus the HX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR enjoys exterior 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 HX1 has proportions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony HX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view size comparison of the SZ-30MR against the HX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and HX1 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions just by going through a spec sheet. The pic below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and HX1.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-30MR having a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus SZ-30MR will produce greater detail with its extra 7 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The younger SZ-30MR should have an advantage in sensor technology.