Olympus E-PL2 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

The following is a extended review of the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL2 was released 12 months earlier than the SZ-31MR iHS and they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PL2 scores against the SZ-31MR iHS for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 enjoys exterior measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 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).

Look at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL2 compared to the SZ-31MR iHS.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and SZ-31MR iHS is 85 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to see the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reading through technical specs. The pic below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and SZ-31MR iHS.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL2 featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will give greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged E-PL2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.