Nikon S31 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Below is a extensive overview of the Nikon S31 versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the S31 (10MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the S31 (1/2.9") and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

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The S31 was announced 17 months later than the SZ-31MR iHS which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a brief view of how the S31 grades against the SZ-31MR iHS in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S31 & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon S31 Gallery & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Nikon S31 offers exterior dimensions of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has proportions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Nikon S31 versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the S31 vs the SZ-31MR iHS.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S31 and SZ-31MR iHS is 90 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is tough to picture the contrast between sensor measurements only by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S31 and SZ-31MR iHS.

Clearly, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S31 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will resolve greater detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern S31 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.