Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony RX10

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony RX10, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the RX10 (20MP) is fairly close but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 4 years earlier than the RX10 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the SZ-30MR scores versus the RX10 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-30MR provides physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 has measurements of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") having a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony RX10 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-30MR vs the RX10.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and RX10 is 89 and 58 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing only by looking through specs. The photograph underneath will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and RX10.

All in all, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony RX10 will provide you with extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older SZ-30MR will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.