Canon SX200 IS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Let's take a deeper look at the Canon SX200 IS versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Canon and Olympus. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the SX200 IS (12MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SX200 IS was released 3 years prior to the SZ-31MR iHS which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple overview of how the SX200 IS matches up against the SZ-31MR iHS in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX200 IS and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX200 IS Gallery and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon SX200 IS features outer dimensions of 103mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX200 IS versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the SX200 IS versus the SZ-31MR iHS.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SX200 IS and SZ-31MR iHS is 90 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizes merely by seeing a spec sheet. The image below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SX200 IS and SZ-31MR iHS.

As you can see, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You should anticipate the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to show more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged SX200 IS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.