Olympus SZ-30MR vs Zeiss ZX1

Its time to look closer at the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Zeiss ZX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Zeiss. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the SZ-30MR (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) provide different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-30MR was introduced 8 years before the ZX1 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a quick view of how the SZ-30MR grades vs the ZX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-30MR and Zeiss ZX1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-30MR offers outside measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-30MR versus Zeiss ZX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-30MR and the ZX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-30MR and ZX1 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements simply by checking out specs. The visual below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-30MR and ZX1.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-30MR having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Zeiss ZX1 will produce extra detail using its extra 21MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older SZ-30MR will be behind in sensor technology.