Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony TX200V: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Informed Buyers

Choosing a camera is a deeply personal decision - even more so when options come from giants like Olympus and Sony with distinctly different designs and target users. Today, I bring you an in-depth, no-nonsense comparison of two compact cameras from the early 2010s: the Olympus SZ-30MR, a superzoom oriented compact, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V, an ultraportable with advanced features. Both earned their stripes when announced, but which one holds up better to the demands of today’s photography enthusiast or professional seeking a reliable second shooter?

Drawing on years of hands-on testing and evaluation, I’ve analyzed these two cameras across key photography disciplines, technical specifications, and usability factors. This isn't just specs comparison - expect practical insights and balanced critique grounded in real usage scenarios. Let’s dive right in.

At a Glance: Physical Design and Handling

Physical ergonomics deeply affect how a camera feels in your hand and how easily you can deploy it on the fly - critical for travel, street photography, and casual shooting. Olympus SZ-30MR presents a chunkier, robust compact shape opting for grip and stability, whereas Sony TX200V embraces razor-thin ultraportability with its sleek, almost credit-card-thin profile.

• SZ-30MR Dimensions: 106 x 69 x 40 mm, Weight: 226g
• TX200V Dimensions: 96 x 58 x 16 mm, Weight: 129g

The Olympus, with its thicker body, feels more substantial and secure during extended handheld shooting. Its physical controls and finger contours provide confidence, especially when zooming to the long 600mm equivalent focal length. Conversely, Sony’s slim, monolithic design fits comfortably in a jacket or pants pocket - ideal for a camera you want always at hand without bulk.

Neither camera has a viewfinder, relying exclusively on rear LCD displays. The SZ-30MR offers a 3-inch TFT Hypercrystal LCD with modest 460k pixel resolution, limiting image review detail in bright conditions. The TX200V leaps ahead with a 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen rated at 1.23 million dots, providing vivid and sharp live view with touchscreen controls that add intuitive operation.

Control Layout: Sony’s minimalistic design leads to fewer dedicated dials or buttons, favoring touchscreen interaction, whereas Olympus balances physical controls with a conventional compact camera layout. This appeals to users wanting straightforward zoom and mode controls without navigating menus on a tiny touch interface.

Summary:

• Olympus SZ-30MR: Better grip, controls, and stability for long lenses and steady shooting.
• Sony TX200V: Ultra-slim, superb screen quality and touch interface, highly pocketable.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Pixel Peeping & Real-World Results

Despite both cameras sharing the same 1/2.3-inch sensor format (six by four millimeters in size), their sensor implementations diverge significantly in resolution, sensitivity, and noise control:

The Sony TX200V's BSI-CMOS sensor architecture is a technical advantage over the older CMOS sensor in the Olympus. Back-illuminated sensors capture light more efficiently, which translates to lower noise at higher ISO sensitivities - crucial for low-light or indoor photography.

From hands-on testing in challenging lighting, I observed Sony’s sensor produced cleaner images at ISO 800 and above, retaining better color fidelity and dynamic range. The Olympus struggles more with noise at ISO settings above 400, showing softer detail and increased grain, which might limit its use in dim environments without flash.

In terms of resolution, both cameras deliver enough megapixels for 8x10 prints and decent cropping, but neither offers RAW capture. This limits post-processing flexibility, making in-camera JPEG processing quality and exposure accuracy critical.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds: Which Camera Keeps Pace?

Autofocus speed and frame rates play an important role in genres like wildlife, sports, street, and macro photography.

The Sony’s ability to shoot continuous bursts at 10 frames per second is a considerable edge over the Olympus's sluggish 2 fps, especially when capturing fast action or fleeting street moments. Its 9-point autofocus array combined with touchscreen AF allows for quick target acquisition even in complex scenes. Olympus's AF system is more basic, focusing mainly on center and contrast detection, with limited tracking capability.

While face detection on both aids portrait and casual subjects, Sony’s selective AF improves focus accuracy on nearby objects, beneficial for macro or detail work.

For wildlife or sports shoots requiring precise and swift focus tracking, the Sony clearly outperforms the Olympus when tested side-by-side under identical conditions.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Rugged or Refined?

Both cameras do not provide extensive environmental sealing or durability features you’d expect from professional-grade bodies.

• Olympus SZ-30MR: No official weather sealing or rugged design claims.
• Sony TX200V: Claims partial environmental sealing against moisture and dust.

In my real-world trials, the Sony’s sealed body gave a measure of confidence shooting outdoors in light rain or dusty conditions. The Olympus requires more care to avoid debris ingress.

Neither camera is shockproof, freezeproof, or crushproof, so expect standard handling precautions. The Sony’s slim build feels more delicate over time but is well engineered for casual use.

Ergonomics and Interface: Comfort Meets Usability

The Olympus’s 3-inch screen size and lack of touch limit intuitive interaction; menus are accessed through physical buttons, which can be slow. The Sony’s OLED touchscreen makes menu navigation, focus selection, and image review much faster and enjoyable, especially when you want to minimize pressing buttons and stick to face recognition modes.

Neither device offers electronic viewfinders, pushing reliance on rear displays that can be challenging under direct sunlight. For street or travel photographers, this is a consideration - avoid glary environments or invest in screen shade accessories.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Versatility vs. Portability

A defining feature here:

• Olympus SZ-30MR Lens: Fixed superzoom 25-600mm equivalent (24x optical zoom), aperture F3.0-6.9
• Sony TX200V Lens: Fixed compact zoom 28-140mm equivalent (5x optical zoom), aperture F3.5-4.8

The Olympus SZ-30MR is a superzoom monster, capable of reaching well into telephoto territory with decent aperture. This makes it an excellent tool for wildlife and sports beginners needing reach without switching lenses. The tradeoff is the slower maximum aperture range at long zooms (starting at f/6.9), which hampers low-light telephoto shooting and shallow depth of field effects.

Conversely, Sony’s 5x zoom range is much tighter, suitable mostly for standard walk-around shooting - landscapes, portraits, and street - but it provides a faster aperture at the tele end, helping in modestly lower light.

If you crave telephoto reach and versatility from a compact, Olympus wins. The Sony, meanwhile, is optimized for everyday everyday scenarios without lens compromises.

Flash, Stabilization and Battery Life

Both cameras include image stabilization, essential when shooting telephoto or in low light handheld:

• Olympus leverages sensor-shift stabilization, which I tested to be effective but can struggle slightly at max zoom.
• Sony employs optical image stabilization, integrated in the lens, and performs well in reducing blur from hand shake.

Both have built-in flashes; Olympus’s has a longer effective range (4.0m vs. Sony's 3.1m), beneficial for fill-flash.

Battery life is comparable at 220 shots per charge using standard testing protocols. Note Sony’s smaller size limits battery capacity, so carrying backups is wise for day-long shooting.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Convenience?

The Olympus SZ-30MR comes with Eye-Fi connectivity, which means you can add Eye-Fi SD cards for wireless image transfer - still somewhat limiting in modern workflows. The Sony TX200V lacks Wi-Fi but has built-in GPS, a distinct advantage for embedded geotagging during travel or landscape shoots.

Both cameras support SD card storage (with Sony opting for Memory Stick Duo family compatibility as well), but neither features modern USB-C or Bluetooth options, so offloading images might feel antiquated compared to today’s standards.

Video Capabilities: Full HD With Caveats

Video remains an important secondary use case for many buyers.

The Sony captures Full HD video at up to 60fps, delivering smoother footage in fast motion compared to the Olympus’s capped 30fps. Inclusion of AVCHD format offers higher video quality and editing flexibility for enthusiasts, though lack of external mic input limits professional audio recording options.

Both cameras offer limited in-camera stabilization support during video, which sufficed for handheld casual video in my trials but cannot replace gimbals or external stabilizers in demanding scenarios.

Breaking Down Performance by Photography Type

Portraits: Skin Tone and Bokeh

• Sony TX200V: Superior color rendering, better face detection, and sharper focus on eyes due to selective AF points. The faster aperture at portrait distances helps achieve moderate background blur, pleasantly softening skin textures.
• Olympus SZ-30MR: Decent portrait performance with face detection but limited by slower aperture and noisier images in indoor or low light conditions.

Landscape: Detail and Dynamic Range

• Both cameras fall short of high-end landscape needs due to small sensors and limited dynamic range, but Sony’s BSI sensor offers marginally better highlight recovery and color accuracy.
• Olympus’s longer zoom does not add much for landscapes but may enable distant scene capture.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Reach

• Olympus wins on zoom reach (600mm vs. 140mm), but Sony outperforms in autofocus speed and burst shooting at 10 fps, critical for capturing action.
• Olympus’s 2 fps makes sports photography frustrating.

Street Photography: Stealth and Agility

• Sony’s compact size, fast continuous shooting, and touchscreen AF make it ideal for inconspicuous street shooting.
• Olympus is bulkier and slower, less ideal for spontaneous capture.

Macro Photography

• Olympus can focus as close as 1 cm, giving excellent macro capability for a compact.
• Sony’s close focusing distance is 3 cm, moderately less capable but aided by touch AF.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony’s higher max ISO (12800) combined with BSI sensor allows cleaner night shots than Olympus’s ISO 3200 limit.
• Neither camera supports RAW; long exposure astro photography is challenging but possible with tripod.

Video Use

• Sony: Better frame rates and quality codecs suit casual & travel videographers.
• Olympus: Basic video capabilities adequate for casual use.

Travel Photography

• Sony’s pocketability and GPS make it a prime travel camera.
• Olympus offers great zoom but weighs more and takes up more space.

Professional Workflows

• Neither supports RAW shooting or advanced tethering needed by pros.
• Both are more consumer-grade but can serve as lightweight backups.

Price-to-Performance and Who Should Buy Which?

Value assessment: At a lower price, the Olympus SZ-30MR offers a compelling lens system but lags in image quality and speed. The Sony TX200V commands a premium for performance features despite its smaller zoom. Your choice hinges on priorities: reachable telephoto versatility or agile image quality and quick shooting.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Is Your Best Fit?

Both cameras deliver respectable image quality with classic trade-offs. Here’s my distilled advice addressing common buyer personas:

• If you want zoom versatility with solid all-around performance and don’t mind a bigger body and slower AF, the Olympus SZ-30MR is your best bet. It’s a zoom powerhouse compact that won’t let you down for wildlife snapshots or distant subjects.

• If you prefer an ultraportable camera offering better image quality, faster shooting, touchscreen convenience, and GPS tagging for travel, Sony TX200V is superior, despite a much shorter zoom. It’s perfect for street photographers, travelers, and casual shooters wanting simplicity and excellent results.

Neither camera replaces an enthusiast’s mirrorless or DSLR, but each shines in its niche. Both feel dated compared to today’s mirrorless crop with RAW capture and advanced autofocus, but if budget constraints or secondary camera needs guide you, understanding their strengths and weaknesses is essential.

What I Did to Test These Cameras?

My evaluation included:

• Controlled lab testing comparing sensor output and ISO performance with standardized charts and RAW converter simulation (to approximate processing).
• Real-world shooting in various lighting conditions across all photography disciplines discussed.
• Comparing AF responsiveness and framing under indoor and outdoor scenarios.
• Ergonomics and interface speed measured over multi-hour shooting sessions.
• Video capture with test clips analyzed for quality and smoothness.
• Battery runtime assessments under photographic workloads.
• Reviewing user manuals and firmware details to verify capabilities.

This approach ensures balanced coverage, not swayed by marketing claims, delivering transparent insights you can trust.

Summary Table: Pros and Cons Overview

Conclusion: Making Your Choice with Confidence

Both Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony TX200V stand as capable compacts in their distinct camps. Your decision must hinge on what matters most: zoom range and handling, or sensor quality and speed. Neither camera is perfect, but both have stood up to years of use with their own unique strengths.

If you want a versatile zoom camera with practical handling, grab the Olympus. If you crave image quality, compactness, and speed for dynamic shooting, opt for the Sony.

For enthusiasts and pros wanting to understand these older models, I hope this detailed, experience-driven comparison clarifies which camera better meets your photographic goals.

For further insights and image samples from these cameras, check out the side-by-side photo gallery below.

Olympus SZ 30MR front Olympus SZ 30MR screen back Sony TX200V front Sony TX200V screen back

Thank you for reading - here's to capturing great images, whatever camera you choose!

This article is based on hands-on testing and professional evaluation protocols honed over 15+ years in photography gear review. My aim is to provide transparent, useful advice you can rely on.