Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Olympus 550WP

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Olympus 550WP, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Olympus. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and 550WP (10MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was manufactured 3 years after the 550WP which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick view of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades against the 550WP in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Olympus Stylus 550WP. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Olympus 550WP Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features external dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Olympus 550WP has specifications of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Olympus 550WP in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the 550WP.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and 550WP is 89 and 94 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading through specs. The picture underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and 550WP.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You can expect the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to give you more detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more recent SZ-31MR iHS should have an edge in sensor technology.