Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony QX100

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony QX100, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Lens-style by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the QX100 (20MP) is relatively similar but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and QX100 (1") have different sensor size.

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 3 years earlier than the QX100 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short view of how the SZ-30MR matches up vs the QX100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Sony QX100 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-30MR enjoys 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) whilst the Sony QX100 has measurements of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") having a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony QX100 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-30MR and the QX100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and QX100 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reading technical specs. The pic underneath will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and QX100.

As you have seen, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-30MR with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony QX100 will deliver more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged SZ-30MR is going to be behind in sensor tech.