Canon A3100 IS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

The following is a in-depth overview of the Canon A3100 IS and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Canon and Olympus. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the A3100 IS (12MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) but both cameras provide the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The A3100 IS was brought out 3 years earlier than the SZ-31MR iHS which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief view of how the A3100 IS grades versus the SZ-31MR iHS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot A3100 IS & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The entire galleries are available at Canon A3100 IS Gallery & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon A3100 IS provides exterior dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 28mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon A3100 IS and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the A3100 IS compared to the SZ-31MR iHS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the A3100 IS and SZ-31MR iHS is 94 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to see the contrast in sensor dimensions only by viewing a spec sheet. The pic below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the A3100 IS and SZ-31MR iHS.

As you can see, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You can anticipate the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to result in more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged A3100 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.