Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Below is a detailed assessment of the Olympus E-PM2 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) is pretty similar but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was released 16 months later than the SZ-31MR iHS which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-PM2 scores versus the SZ-31MR iHS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 offers external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has proportions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM2 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PM2 versus the SZ-31MR iHS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and SZ-31MR iHS is 89 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualize the difference between sensor measurements only by reading specs. The graphic below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and SZ-31MR iHS.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have got the exact same resolution albeit different sensor measurements. The E-PM2 features the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult. The newer E-PM2 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.