Olympus SZ-30MR vs Sony A55

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony A55, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and the A55 (16MP) is relatively similar but the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 7 months after the A55 which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SZ-30MR matches up versus the A55 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-30MR and Sony SLT-A55. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-30MR has external 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 A55 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Sony A55 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR vs the A55.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and A55 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Often, its tough to picture the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing a spec sheet. The image here will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-30MR and A55.

Clearly, the two cameras come with the identical resolution albeit different sensor sizes. The SZ-30MR has got the tinier sensor which will make getting shallow DOF more difficult. The more modern SZ-30MR should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.