Olympus E-P2 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Here, we are comparing the Olympus E-P2 versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Olympus. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the E-P2 (12MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

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The E-P2 was revealed 21 months prior to the SZ-31MR iHS making them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-P2 grades against the SZ-31MR iHS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-P2 has external dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and 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") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P2 versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-P2 vs the SZ-31MR iHS.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P2 and SZ-31MR iHS is 86 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements simply by checking specifications. The graphic underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P2 and SZ-31MR iHS.

To sum up, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-P2 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will give you extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The older E-P2 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.