Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Olympus TG-870

Let's look more in depth at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Olympus TG-870, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact and they are both manufactured by Olympus. The image resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the TG-870 (16MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was revealed 4 years before the TG-870 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up versus the TG-870 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Olympus TG-870 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS comes with outer measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-870 has sizing of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Olympus TG-870 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS versus the TG-870.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and TG-870 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to see the gap in sensor sizes purely by going through a spec sheet. The image underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and TG-870.

As you can see, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the same exact resolution therefore you should expect comparable quality of images although you will need to take the release date of the cameras into account. The more aged SZ-31MR iHS will be behind in sensor tech.