Canon SX280 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Its time to take a closer look at the Canon SX280 HS versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Canon and Olympus. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the SX280 HS (12MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SX280 HS was announced 14 months after the SZ-31MR iHS which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the SX280 HS grades vs the SZ-31MR iHS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX280 HS & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX280 HS Gallery & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX280 HS features outside dimensions of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 233 grams (0.51 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 SX280 HS versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SX280 HS versus the SZ-31MR iHS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX280 HS and SZ-31MR iHS is 91 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizes simply by viewing technical specs. The picture below might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX280 HS and SZ-31MR iHS.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to render extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger SX280 HS will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.