Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-P1 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Olympus. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-P1 was introduced 3 years prior to the SZ-31MR iHS and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-P1 scores vs the SZ-31MR iHS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 offers external measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has specifications 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 Olympus E-P1 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-P1 compared to the SZ-31MR iHS.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P1 and SZ-31MR iHS is 86 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements only by going through specifications. The visual here will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and SZ-31MR iHS.

To sum up, both of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-P1 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will provide extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The older E-P1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.