Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Olympus TG-2 iHS

Below is a in depth review of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Olympus TG-2 iHS, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and TG-2 iHS (12MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was announced 16 months prior to the TG-2 iHS which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades versus the TG-2 iHS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Olympus TG-2 iHS Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS comes with outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Olympus TG-2 iHS has measurements of 111mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Olympus TG-2 iHS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the TG-2 iHS.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and TG-2 iHS is 89 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements just by reviewing specs. The visual below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and TG-2 iHS.

All in all, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to deliver more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.