Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony HX80

Lets look more closely at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony HX80, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the HX80 (18MP) is pretty close and they use the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 6 years prior to the HX80 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SZ-30MR matches up against the HX80 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera often, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-30MR has got outside dimensions 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 HX80 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony HX80 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-30MR compared to the HX80.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and HX80 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing just by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and HX80.

Clearly, both of those cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Sony HX80 to provide you with extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The older SZ-30MR will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.