Clicky

Canon SX540 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Portability
69
Imaging
46
Features
44
Overall
45
Canon PowerShot SX540 HS front
 
Olympus SZ-31MR iHS front
Portability
89
Imaging
39
Features
47
Overall
42

Canon SX540 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Key Specs

Canon SX540 HS
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-1200mm (F3.4-6.5) lens
  • 442g - 120 x 82 x 92mm
  • Revealed January 2016
Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-600mm (F3.0-6.9) lens
  • 226g - 106 x 69 x 40mm
  • Released February 2012
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Canon SX540 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Overview

In this article, we will be analyzing the Canon SX540 HS and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Olympus. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX540 HS (20MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

The SX540 HS was announced 3 years after the SZ-31MR iHS which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX540 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SX540 HS scores against the SZ-31MR iHS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%
	
	

Reasons to pick Canon SX540 HS over the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

 SX540 HS SZ-31MR iHS 
ReleasedJanuary 2016February 2012More modern by 48 months
Manual focus Very precise focus

Reasons to pick Olympus SZ-31MR iHS over the Canon SX540 HS

 SZ-31MR iHS SX540 HS 
Screen resolution920k461kCrisper screen (+459k dot)
Touch friendly screen Quickly navigate

Common features in the Canon SX540 HS and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

 SX540 HS SZ-31MR iHS 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen sizing3"3"Equivalent screen measurements
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen

Canon SX540 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Physical Comparison

If you are looking to carry around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon SX540 HS enjoys outer measurements of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") along with a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has proportions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX540 HS and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the SX540 HS against the SZ-31MR iHS.

Canon SX540 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS size comparison

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SX540 HS and SZ-31MR iHS is 69 and 89 respectively.

Canon SX540 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS top view buttons comparison

Canon SX540 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Sensor Comparison

Oftentimes, it is very tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizes just by viewing a spec sheet. The pic underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SX540 HS and SZ-31MR iHS.

As you can see, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Canon SX540 HS to provide you with more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger SX540 HS should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.

Canon SX540 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS sensor size comparison

Canon SX540 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Screen and ViewFinder

Canon SX540 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Canon SX540 HS Portrait photography factors
Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Portrait photography factors
47
has manual focus
good MP (20 megapixels)
supports face detection focusing
can't use external flash
small sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
34
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
comes with face detect focus
manual focus not available
manual mode not available
cannot use external flash
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW support
Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras

Street Comparison

Canon SX540 HS Street photography advice
Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Street photography advice
48
has image stabilization (Optical)
fixed screen
small sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
64
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
offers focus by touch
lighter than average in class (226 grams)
screen is fixed
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW support
Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability

Sports Comparison

Canon SX540 HS Sports photography information
Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Sports photography information
44
long zoom range (24-1200mm 50.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
good MP (20 megapixels)
slow fps (5.9 frames per second)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
bad battery (205 CIPA)
doesn't have phase detect AF
44
incredible zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
MP count decent (16MP)
comes with tracking focus
no shutter priority
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
bad battery power (200 per charge)
has no phase detect auto focus
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Canon SX540 HS
Travel photography with Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
56
good MP (20 megapixels)
has built in flash
quite wide (24mm)
very long reach (1200mm)
does not have Timelapse function
bad battery (205 CIPA)
display is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.4)
67
lighter than average in class (226g)
offers focus by touch
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
flash built-in
reasonably wide (25mm)
long zoom (600mm)
missing Time Lapse function
bad battery power (200 per charge)
doesn't have selfie friendly screen
sluggish max aperture (f3.0)
Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

Landscape Comparison

Canon SX540 HS Landscape photography details
Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Landscape photography details
48
has manual focus
quite wide (24mm)
good sized screen (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
good MP (20 megapixels)
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.4)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
bad battery (205 shots)
does not have Timelapse function
41
reasonably wide (25mm)
nice screen size (3 inches)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
MP count decent (16MP)
manual focus not available
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.0)
manual mode not available
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW support
bad battery power (200 shots)
missing Time Lapse function
Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX540 HS Vlogging details
Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Vlogging details
29
quite wide (24mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detection focusing
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.4)
display is not selfie friendly
does not have external microphone port
35
reasonably wide (25mm)
touchscreen
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
comes with face detect focus
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than average in class (226g)
sluggish max aperture (f3.0)
doesn't have selfie friendly screen
missing mic port
Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

Canon SX540 HS vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon SX540 HS and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
 Canon PowerShot SX540 HSOlympus SZ-31MR iHS
General Information
Company Canon Olympus
Model Canon PowerShot SX540 HS Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
Type Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Superzoom
Revealed 2016-01-05 2012-02-08
Body design SLR-like (bridge) Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Chip DIGIC 6 Dual TruePic V
Sensor type BSI-CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 20 megapixels 16 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 4:3 and 16:9
Highest resolution 5184 x 3888 4608 x 3456
Highest native ISO 3200 6400
Min native ISO 80 80
RAW files
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch to focus
Continuous AF
Single AF
Tracking AF
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Cross focus points - -
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 24-1200mm (50.0x) 25-600mm (24.0x)
Max aperture f/3.4-6.5 f/3.0-6.9
Macro focus range 0cm 1cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.8
Screen
Range of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inch 3 inch
Resolution of screen 461k dot 920k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Screen technology - Hypercrystal III TFT Color LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 15s 4s
Highest shutter speed 1/2000s 1/1700s
Continuous shooting speed 5.9fps 7.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes -
Set WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 5.50 m (at Auto ISO) 9.30 m
Flash modes Auto, on, off, slow synchro Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps)
Highest video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 442 grams (0.97 pounds) 226 grams (0.50 pounds)
Dimensions 120 x 82 x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") 106 x 69 x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 205 photos 200 photos
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model NB-6LH LI-50B
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) Yes (2 or 12 sec, pet auto shutter)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots One One
Launch pricing $399 $0