Canon SX160 IS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Canon SX160 IS and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the SX160 IS (16MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) is very similar and both cameras have the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The SX160 IS was released 17 months later than the SZ-31MR iHS making them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the SX160 IS scores against the SZ-31MR iHS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX160 IS Gallery & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon SX160 IS enjoys outer dimensions of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") having a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has proportions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX160 IS and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SX160 IS and the SZ-31MR iHS.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SX160 IS and SZ-31MR iHS is 86 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading specifications. The photograph below may give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX160 IS and SZ-31MR iHS.

Plainly, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the exact same MP so you can expect similar quality of files though you might want to factor the launch date of the products into consideration. The fresher SX160 IS is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.