Olympus E-PL6 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL6 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both offered by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) is pretty close but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL6 was released 2 years after the SZ-31MR iHS which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PL6 grades versus the SZ-31MR iHS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL6 has external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL6 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL6 and the SZ-31MR iHS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL6 and SZ-31MR iHS is 88 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes purely by viewing specifications. The pic below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL6 and SZ-31MR iHS.

To sum up, both of the cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL6 has the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF easier. The newer E-PL6 will have a benefit in sensor tech.