• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus SZ-30MR advantages over Panasonic ZS50

  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Panasonic ZS50 advantages over Olympus SZ-30MR

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 600 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Newer
    10 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 7.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS50

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.

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
Panasonic ZS50
Olympus SZ-10
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $224
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Bulb shutter

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
Panasonic ZS50
Olympus SZ-31MR
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels

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
Panasonic ZS50
Olympus SZ-15
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $162
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Panasonic ZS40

Olympus SZ-30MR
Panasonic ZS40
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS50
Panasonic ZS40
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Olympus SZ-30MR
Canon SX700 HS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Panasonic ZS50
Canon SX700 HS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Faster shutter
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