Olympus SP-100 vs Sony HX30V

The following is a complete review of the Olympus SP-100 versus Sony HX30V, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the HX30V (18MP) is pretty similar and both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-100 was revealed 24 months after the HX30V which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short overview of how the SP-100 scores versus the HX30V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-100 offers outside measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") having a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Sony HX30V has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SP-100 versus Sony HX30V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SP-100 versus the HX30V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and HX30V is 63 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions just by going over a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-100 and HX30V.

As you can see, both cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You should expect the Sony HX30V to offer you more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The younger SP-100 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.