Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL5 versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) is very similar but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL5 was manufactured 8 months after the SZ-31MR iHS so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PL5 matches up against the SZ-31MR iHS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 offers exterior measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has sizing of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL5 versus Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL5 against the SZ-31MR iHS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and SZ-31MR iHS is 88 and 89 respectively.

Typically, its hard to envision the difference between sensor sizes just by going over specifications. The pic underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and SZ-31MR iHS.

To sum up, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL5 has the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult. The more recent E-PL5 will have an edge in sensor technology.