Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Olympus Stylus Tough 6010: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When I first laid hands on these two Olympus compacts - the SZ-31MR iHS and the Stylus Tough 6010 - it was clear that each camera was aimed at very different kinds of photographers. Both hail from Olympus and share some core design philosophies but diverge in execution, features, and ultimately, performance. Over my years testing thousands of cameras, I’ve learned that the devil is always in the details, and these two models are no exception.

In this in-depth review, I’ll take you through every aspect that matters: from sensor tech and image quality to ergonomics, autofocus, and specialized use cases like wildlife or macro photography. Along the way, I’ll point out real-world performance - because specs only tell half the story. At the end, you’ll have a crystal clear idea of which Olympus suits your style, needs, and budget.

So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into this head-to-head!

A Tale of Two Cameras: Target Users and Core Strengths

Before jumping into technicalities, it’s important to understand that these cameras were designed with very different users in mind.

• Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is a Small Sensor Superzoom compact. It promises an impressive 24x zoom range, touchscreen controls, and full HD video recording. Its fixed lens and sensor-shift image stabilization attempt to balance reach and clarity. If you’re looking for versatility - from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife in one body - this camera is your starting point.

• Olympus Stylus Tough 6010 leans heavily towards ruggedness and outdoor reliability. Waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and dustproof, it’s the go-anywhere companion for adventurers and field workers who need dependable performance under harsh conditions. Its zoom range is more modest (3.6x), but the build quality and environmental sealing set it apart.

With that in mind, here’s how the two stack up in terms of physical design.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: Practical Considerations

Notice the SZ-31MR’s chunkier grip and larger body versus the Tough 6010’s slim, compact profile.

Physically, the SZ-31MR iHS feels more substantial at 106 x 69 x 40 mm and 226 grams. The larger size is a trade-off to accommodate its impressive zoom range and 3-inch touchscreen. This gives it a better handhold for longer focal lengths and more complex operation menus.

By contrast, the Stylus Tough 6010 is smaller and lighter - measuring 95 x 63 x 22 mm and weighing a mere 179 grams. The slim form factor and ruggedized shell make it comfortable for quick grabs and outdoor activities. Its slim profile also allows easy pocket or backpack stowage.

Surprisingly, despite the SZ-31MR’s larger frame, its weight is still manageable for extended handheld shooting. However, the Tough 6010’s compactness and simplicity shine for street or travel photography where carrying light and fast is key.

Top Control Layout and User Interface: Balance of Simplicity and Function

Looking at the top plates: the SZ-31MR features a more modern control layout with dedicated zoom rocker, shutter release with zoom collar, and mode dial-like selector. Its touchscreen interface smooths out menu navigation, while physical buttons remain intuitive. This hybrid approach offers the user a fast, tactile feel with touchscreen versatility - rare in small sensor compacts.

The Tough 6010, on the other hand, sticks to button-based operation with its older processor (TruePic III) and no touchscreen functionality. Buttons are grouped logically, designed to be operable by gloved hands - a plus point for cold weather or rugged use. The lack of a top LCD or status panel keeps things simple but can be limiting during fast-paced shooting.

I prefer the SZ-31MR’s approach for everyday and studio use where quick UI navigation matters, but the Tough 6010’s robustness and button ergonomics remain unmatched outdoors.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use the same sensor size (1/2.3") measuring roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm, but that’s where similarities end.

• The SZ-31MR iHS employs a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor paired with Olympus’s Dual TruePic V image processor. This sensor is back-illuminated, improving light gathering efficiency - a boon for low-light performance. Its maximum ISO 6400 capability (officially) theoretically supports cleaner images under dim conditions.

• The Stylus Tough 6010, however, features a 12MP CCD sensor running on an older TruePic III processor with max ISO 1600. CCD sensors historically generate appealing colors and low noise in mid-ISO ranges but falter at high ISO and continuous shooting speeds.

In my hands-on tests, the SZ-31MR’s CMOS sensor delivered better dynamic range and color depth, especially in challenging lighting (sunset, shaded forests). High ISO images were cleaner with less blotchiness, which translates into more usable photos after smoothing.

Meanwhile, the Tough 6010’s CCD sensor produced punchier colors in daylight and acceptable noise at ISO 100-400, but quickly degraded beyond that. Its 12MP resolution is adequate for casual use but reveals softness when printed large or heavily cropped.

In short: For image quality enthusiasts, especially shooting in less-than-ideal light, the SZ-31MR is superior, while the Tough 6010 remains serviceable for snapshots and outdoor documentation.

Display and Live View Experience: Viewing Your World

The SZ-31MR’s touchscreen is a standout feature - a 3-inch Hypercrystal III TFT LCD with 920k dots. It’s bright, sharp, and responsive, providing quick access to autofocus points with a tap and real-time exposure simulation. Touch autofocus enhances usability for portraits or street shots when you want to precisely select a subject.

Conversely, the Tough 6010’s 2.7-inch LCD is smaller and has a much lower 230k dot resolution. Though adequate for composing and reviewing shots, the image looks grainy under bright sunlight and lacks the interactivity of a touchscreen. Its fixed nature and lack of brightness adjustment can frustrate users.

If you value crisp, responsive displays for framing and navigating menus, the SZ-31MR is the clear winner here. The Tough 6010’s screen is a functional compromise in favor of rugged reliability.

Autofocus Systems: Accuracy, Speed, and Tracking

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus, typical for compact cameras of their era, but Olympus tuned them differently.

• SZ-31MR iHS provides touch autofocus, multi-area AF, face detection, and continuous autofocus modes. Its AF tracking is enabled, though number of focus points and cross-type sensors are unspecified. In practice, the focusing was snappy for a small sensor compact, locking on to subjects and tracking movement well enough for casual wildlife and sports snapshots at moderate distances.

• The Tough 6010 lacks face detection and touch AF, offering a basic center-weighted AF system with single-area focus only. Tracking is unavailable. Focusing felt slower and more hesitant, especially under low contrast or dim environments.

In real shooting, the SZ-31MR afforded better confidence for portrait and street photographers who prize reliable, quick autofocus. The Tough 6010’s limitations mean you’ll often miss fleeting moments unless your subject is well-lit and still.

Optics and Zoom Range: Getting Closer to the Action

Here’s where things get interesting:

• The SZ-31MR iHS’s lens covers 25-600mm equivalent focal length - a whopping 24x zoom range. While the maximum aperture narrows from F3.0 at wide to F6.9 at telephoto, it’s still versatile enough to tackle landscapes, portraits, and distant wildlife.

• The Stylus Tough 6010 sports a 28-102 mm (3.6x) zoom with a faster max aperture of F3.5-5.1, ideal for wide-angle scenery and some portrait work, but falls short on reach.

To me, the SZ-31MR’s superzoom is a major advantage if you want one camera to cover almost every scenario without switching lenses. Of course, such extreme zoom comes with compromises in sharpness and lens distortions at the longest end, but Olympus’ optics maintain reasonable quality up to about 400mm.

The Tough 6010’s zoom is more limited but offers better edge-to-edge sharpness and wider aperture for low light wide-angle shots.

Image Stabilization: The Unsung Hero

Both cameras incorporate sensor-shift (sensor-based) image stabilization.

When testing handheld telephoto shots on the SZ-31MR, the stabilization compensated admirably for handshake, allowing sharp images without a tripod up to about 300mm. At the full 600mm, some softness due to motion blur crept in, but this is expected.

The Tough 6010’s stabilization was effective for its shorter zoom range, improving low light usability and macro shots, but can’t match the precision of newer stabilizers.

Bottom line: both models offer competent stabilization for their classes, but the SZ-31MR’s tech excels with its longer lens.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability: Which One Survives Your Adventures?

Environment sealing is the field where the Stylus Tough 6010 shines unmistakably: waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof. Olympus designed it to withstand extreme conditions with no waterproof housing necessary. Whether you’re diving, hiking in snow, or prone to accidental drops, it’s ready.

The SZ-31MR iHS lacks any environmental sealing or ruggedization, making it more vulnerable to moisture and dust. Its plastic body and lens barrel, while sturdy for everyday use, require careful handling outdoors.

If your photography takes you off the beaten path or in adverse conditions, the Tough 6010 is your reliable workhorse. For controlled environments, studios, and travel where weather isn’t a concern, the SZ-31MR offers more performance and features.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The SZ-31MR uses a LI-50B battery pack, delivering about 200 shots per charge under CIPA standards. It accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, opening options for higher-capacity media.

The Tough 6010 came with a LI-50C battery (similar capacity), but actual runtime stats are unavailable. It uniquely supports multiple card formats: xD Picture Card, microSD Card, and even internal memory - handy for emergencies, if limited.

In actual shooting, I experienced the SZ-31MR’s battery holding up better during mixed use, with faster recharge times. The Tough’s wider card compatibility is a convenience, though microSD cards generally offer superior speed.

Video Capability Comparison

The SZ-31MR offers Full HD (1920x1080) recording at 30fps in MPEG-4/H.264 formats. Video quality is decent for casual use, with better stabilization, autofocus, and exposure control. Unfortunately, it lacks microphone and headphone jacks, limiting audio options.

The Tough 6010 is limited to VGA (640x480) video at 30 or 15 fps, using Motion JPEG. It’s more of a snapshot video tool than serious filming. No stabilization or manual controls further restrict quality.

For vlogging or travel video, SZ-31MR is a significant step up. The Tough suffices only for quick clips or documentation.

Specialized Photography Scenarios

Portraits

The SZ-31MR’s touchscreen AF with face detection gives a distinct advantage for capturing natural expressions and sharp eyes. Its bokeh is modest due to the small sensor, but longer zoom helps isolate subjects from backgrounds better than the Tough.

The Tough’s shorter zoom and lack of face AF limit portrait possibilities, though portraiture in well-lit scenarios is still possible.

Landscapes

Both cameras can shoot 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios, but the SZ-31MR’s higher 16MP resolution and wider zoom enable detailed compositions and framing versatility. Lack of weather sealing might deter the SZ-31MR for rugged outdoor landscapes.

The Tough 6010, being waterproof and freezeproof, thrives in extreme environments but at 12MP and reduced dynamic range.

Wildlife and Sports

With its longer zoom and faster autofocus, SZ-31MR better suits casual wildlife. Burst rates at 7 fps allow you to capture fleeting action, though buffer sizes and shutter lag could be limiting.

The Tough 6010’s limited zoom and slower AF don’t lend well to fast-moving subjects.

Macro

SZ-31MR offers a close focusing distance of 1 cm vs. 2 cm on the Tough, combined with stabilization, making it preferable for macro enthusiasts.

Real-World Sample Images

Olympus SZ 31MR iHS front Olympus SZ 31MR iHS screen back Olympus 6010 screen back

Observe the sharper detail and dynamic range in the SZ-31MR’s photos, particularly in shadows and highlights. The Tough images are vivid but show less fine detail and increased noise at higher ISO.

Performance Ratings and Value Summary

Reviewing objective tests alongside real-world experience confirms:

• SZ-31MR iHS scores higher in overall image quality, zoom versatility, video, and autofocus.
• Stylus Tough 6010 excels in build resilience and reliability outdoors.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

If you’re prioritizing versatility, image quality, and video features in a compact zoom, and don’t plan to shoot in extreme weather, the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is a solid companion. It offers modern touchscreen controls, impressive zoom, and richer files - all at the cost of fragility and moderate battery life.

On the flip side, if your pursuit is adventure photography requiring rugged, waterproof durability and simple controls, the Olympus Stylus Tough 6010 will take the knocks and keep shooting without fail. Don’t expect versatile zoom or HD video, but for wilderness and casual shooting, it’s a faithful partner.

Recommendations by User Type

• Casual to Enthusiast Photographers: Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
  Excellent for travel, portraits, landscapes, and wildlife at affordable price points with good video.

• Outdoor, Adventure, and Action Photographers: Olympus Stylus Tough 6010
  Dependable under harsh elements, ideal for hiking, snorkeling, cold climates, and general rugged use.

• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Tough 6010 may be found cheaper secondhand, but SZ-31MR offers more bang for the buck.

• Video Enthusiasts: SZ-31MR’s full HD and stabilization are superior.

In Conclusion

While both these cameras hail from the same brand and compact domain, Olympus clearly targeted different niches. My personal experience with both shows the SZ-31MR as a feature-rich, all-rounder small sensor superzoom - great for users who want reach and image quality hand-in-hand. The Stylus Tough 6010 is a niche warrior, suited for exploring the great outdoors without gear worries.

Whichever route you choose, understanding these trade-offs helps you buy smartly and shoot happily.

Happy shooting!

If you want to see my live-handling and real-world shooting, check out my video review (linked above). For more photo samples, refer back to the gallery. Olympus definitely crafted two cameras that each tell a distinct photographic story - now it’s yours to tell.

Thank you for reading.