Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony HX5

The following is a comprehensive review of the Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony HX5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") offer different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 9 months after the HX5 and they are of a similar age. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SZ-30MR matches up vs the HX5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-30MR has physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony HX5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-30MR compared to the HX5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and HX5 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by going through specifications. The image underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-30MR and HX5.

To sum up, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-30MR using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus SZ-30MR will produce greater detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more recent SZ-30MR provides a benefit in sensor tech.