Olympus FE-45 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus FE-45 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Olympus. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the FE-45 (10MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) but they use the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FE-45 was introduced 4 years before the SZ-31MR iHS and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the FE-45 grades vs the SZ-31MR iHS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-45 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus FE-45 Gallery and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-45 has got outer dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has proportions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus FE-45 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the FE-45 against the SZ-31MR iHS.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FE-45 and SZ-31MR iHS is 95 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to imagine the difference in sensor measurements simply by viewing specs. The visual here may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FE-45 and SZ-31MR iHS.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to provide you with more detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older FE-45 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.