Leica D-Lux 6 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Its time to examine more in depth at the Leica D-Lux 6 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Leica and Olympus. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the D-Lux 6 (10MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the D-Lux 6 (1/1.7") and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The D-Lux 6 was released 8 months later than the SZ-31MR iHS so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a short view of how the D-Lux 6 scores versus the SZ-31MR iHS in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica D-Lux 6 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The complete galleries are viewable at Leica D-Lux 6 Gallery and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Leica D-Lux 6 has got external measurements of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") having a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs) and 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).

Contrast the Leica D-Lux 6 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the D-Lux 6 vs the SZ-31MR iHS.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D-Lux 6 and SZ-31MR iHS is 86 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements merely by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the D-Lux 6 and SZ-31MR iHS.

As you can see, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The D-Lux 6 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will produce greater detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos much more aggressively. The younger D-Lux 6 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.