• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Olympus SZ-30MR advantages over Nikon D5300

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 76 mm
    Thinner
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Nikon D5300 advantages over Olympus SZ-30MR

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 1.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Less shutter lag
    0.29 vs 0.41 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1700 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent grip; Handsome, portable design; 24x zoom in a small package; Panorama mode.

  • Detail blurred by strong noise suppression; Bright colors bloom in bright light; Few manual controls; Too many trips to the menu.

  • Excellent image quality similar to more expensive DSLRs (like the D7100); Great dynamic range; Responsive all-around performer; Excellent Full HD video-shooting quality; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Built-in GPS; Compact and lightweight size; 18-140mm kit lens performs well for its type and has a very versatile focus length range.

  • AA-filterless sensor makes it more prone to moire; Burst speed slows with highest quality 14-bit RAW images; Live View mode not as good as some competitors; No external headphone jack; GPS receiver not very sensitive.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus SZ-10

Olympus SZ-30MR
Olympus SZ-10
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $224
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bulb shutter
Nikon D5300
Olympus SZ-10
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $224
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compared to Olympus SZ-31MR

Olympus SZ-30MR
Olympus SZ-31MR
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 60p video
Nikon D5300
Olympus SZ-31MR
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compared to Olympus SZ-15

Olympus SZ-30MR
Olympus SZ-15
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Longer exposure
  • $162
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Nikon D5300
Olympus SZ-15
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $162
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compared to Pentax K-3

Olympus SZ-30MR
Pentax K-3
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Nikon D5300
Pentax K-3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon T6s

Olympus SZ-30MR
Canon T6s
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D5300
Canon T6s
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC
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