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

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Olympus. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") provide different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was revealed 10 months earlier than the XZ-2 iHS which means that they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up vs the XZ-2 iHS in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS comes with physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS versus the XZ-2 iHS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and XZ-2 iHS is 89 and 85 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by going over technical specs. The photograph below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and XZ-2 iHS.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will deliver more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos way more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.