Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

In this article, we are looking at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was manufactured 2 months prior to the SZ-31MR iHS and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-PM1 grades versus the SZ-31MR iHS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 has external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have during that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the SZ-31MR iHS.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and SZ-31MR iHS is 89 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to picture the contrast in sensor measurements simply by viewing specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and SZ-31MR iHS.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PM1 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will render greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively.