Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony HX300

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony HX300, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the HX300 (20MP) is pretty comparable and they use the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 24 months earlier than the HX300 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SZ-30MR scores versus the HX300 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-30MR offers physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony HX300 has dimensions of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony HX300 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the HX300.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and HX300 is 89 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing only by seeing specs. The photograph underneath might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and HX300.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Sony HX300 to provide more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older SZ-30MR will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.