Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS30

Let's look closer at the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS30, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras posses the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SP-100 was introduced 13 months after the ZS30 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SP-100 grades vs the ZS30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-100 has exterior measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") along with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS30 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS30 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SP-100 and the ZS30.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and ZS30 is 63 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through a spec sheet. The pic underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-100 and ZS30.

As you can see, both cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Panasonic ZS30 to resolve more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The newer SP-100 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.