Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony RX100

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony RX100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is very well matched but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-30MR was brought out 18 months before the RX100 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the SZ-30MR grades versus the RX100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Sony RX100 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-30MR has outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony RX100 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony RX100 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-30MR and the RX100.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-30MR and RX100 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by checking specifications. The visual here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and RX100.

Plainly, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-30MR because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony RX100 will give you more detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older SZ-30MR is going to be behind in sensor innovation.