Olympus E-PL7 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Let's look a little more closely at the Olympus E-PL7 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are designed by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL7 (16MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL7 (Four Thirds) and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL7 was brought out 2 years later than the SZ-31MR iHS and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the E-PL7 grades vs the SZ-31MR iHS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL7 & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL7 Gallery & Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL7 features outside measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL7 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL7 against the SZ-31MR iHS.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL7 and SZ-31MR iHS is 86 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to see the gap between sensor measurements purely by looking at a spec sheet. The visual underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL7 and SZ-31MR iHS.

Clearly, both of these cameras have the same megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL7 features the larger sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field easier. The more recent E-PL7 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.