Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both built by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) is pretty similar but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M1 was released 21 months later than the SZ-31MR iHS which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief view of how the E-M1 scores vs the SZ-31MR iHS in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 provides exterior measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has proportions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the E-M1 vs the SZ-31MR iHS.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and SZ-31MR iHS is 71 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing only by going over specifications. The graphic here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and SZ-31MR iHS.

Plainly, each of these cameras feature the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-M1 has the bigger sensor which will make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The newer E-M1 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.