Nikon S5100 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Following is a extended review of the Nikon S5100 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the S5100 (12MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The S5100 was manufactured 18 months prior to the SZ-31MR iHS which makes them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the S5100 scores against the SZ-31MR iHS for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S5100 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon S5100 Gallery and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon S5100 offers outer measurements of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has sizing of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon S5100 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the S5100 vs the SZ-31MR iHS.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S5100 and SZ-31MR iHS is 95 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to see the difference between sensor sizes just by reading through technical specs. The picture below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the S5100 and SZ-31MR iHS.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to give you extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged S5100 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.