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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9

Portability
89
Imaging
39
Features
47
Overall
42
Olympus SZ-31MR iHS front
 
Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 front
Portability
62
Imaging
60
Features
90
Overall
72

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9 Key Specs

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-600mm (F3.0-6.9) lens
  • 226g - 106 x 69 x 40mm
  • Launched February 2012
Panasonic G9
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 658g - 137 x 97 x 92mm
  • Launched November 2017
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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9 Overview

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the G9 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and G9 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was unveiled 6 years earlier than the G9 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades vs the G9 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Olympus SZ-31MR iHS over the Panasonic G9

 SZ-31MR iHS G9 

Reasons to pick Panasonic G9 over the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

 G9 SZ-31MR iHS 
LaunchedNovember 2017February 2012Newer by 70 months
Manually focus Dial accurate focus
Screen typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating screen
Screen resolution1040k920kCrisper screen (+120k dot)
Selfie screen Easy selfies

Common features in the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic G9

 SZ-31MR iHS G9 
Screen sizing3"3"Equivalent screen sizing
Touch screen Quickly navigate

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9 Physical Comparison

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has got external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G9 has sizing of 137mm x 97mm x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 658 grams (1.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS versus the G9.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9 size comparison

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and G9 is 89 and 62 respectively.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9 top view buttons comparison

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9 Sensor Comparison

Quite often, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by checking specifications. The picture here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and G9.

Plainly, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-31MR iHS having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic G9 will give you extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged SZ-31MR iHS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9 sensor size comparison

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9 Screen and ViewFinder

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Portrait photography highlights
Panasonic G9 Portrait photography highlights
34
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
supports face detection autofocus
lack of manual focus
manual exposure not possible
cannot use external flash
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
76
focusing manually
good resolution (20 megapixels)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
supports face detection autofocus
supports RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
Street photography with Panasonic G9
64
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
offers focus via touch
lighter than competition (226g)
no articulating screen
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
75
screen can move to multiple angles
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
supports RAW formats
includes focus via touch
weather proof
above average ISO range (25,600)
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Sports Comparison

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Sports photography details
Panasonic G9 Sports photography details
44
amazing zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
supports tracking autofocus
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
not so great battery power (200 shots)
lack of phase detect autofocus
70
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000s)
quiet mode (1/32,000s)
high fps (20.0 frames/s)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
good resolution (20 megapixels)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
supports tracking autofocus
weather proof
terrible battery pack (400 shots)
has no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS as a Travel photography camera
Panasonic G9 as a Travel photography camera
67
lighter than competition (226 grams)
offers focus via touch
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
flash built-in
rather wide (25mm)
very long reach (600mm)
missing Time Lapse function
not so great battery power (200 shots)
screen is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.0)
70
weather proof
supports bluetooth
includes focus via touch
good resolution (20 megapixels)
selfie friendly display
terrible battery pack (400 CIPA)
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Landscape Comparison

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Landscape photography factors
Panasonic G9 Landscape photography factors
41
rather wide (25mm)
screen is a decent size (3")
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
lack of manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.0)
manual exposure not possible
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
not so great battery power (200 per charge)
missing Time Lapse function
76
focusing manually
switch lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
good sized screen (3 inches)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
good resolution (20MP)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
does not have anti-alias filter
above average ISO range (25,600)
supports RAW formats
weather proof
two card slots
terrible battery pack (400 per charge)
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Vlogging Comparison

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Vlogging information
Panasonic G9 Vlogging information
35
rather wide (25mm)
touchscreen enabled
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
supports face detection autofocus
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
lighter than competition (226g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.0)
screen is not selfie friendly
missing external mic socket
76
selfie friendly display
touchscreen
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
supports face detection autofocus
high res video (3840 x 2160 pxls)
has external mic socket
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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G9 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic G9
 Olympus SZ-31MR iHSPanasonic Lumix DC-G9
General Information
Make Olympus Panasonic
Model type Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Panasonic Lumix DC-G9
Category Small Sensor Superzoom Pro Mirrorless
Launched 2012-02-08 2017-11-08
Physical type Compact SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Powered by Dual TruePic V -
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" Four Thirds
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 17.3 x 13mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 224.9mm²
Sensor resolution 16MP 20MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Max resolution 4608 x 3456 5184 x 3888
Max native ISO 6400 25600
Lowest native ISO 80 200
RAW files
Lowest enhanced ISO - 100
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Total focus points - 225
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens support fixed lens Micro Four Thirds
Lens zoom range 25-600mm (24.0x) -
Maximal aperture f/3.0-6.9 -
Macro focusing range 1cm -
Number of lenses - 107
Crop factor 5.8 2.1
Screen
Type of display Fixed Type Fully Articulated
Display sizing 3 inches 3 inches
Resolution of display 920k dots 1,040k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Display technology Hypercrystal III TFT Color LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 3,680k dots
Viewfinder coverage - 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification - 0.83x
Features
Min shutter speed 4 seconds 60 seconds
Max shutter speed 1/1700 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Max quiet shutter speed - 1/32000 seconds
Continuous shutter rate 7.0fps 20.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation - Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 9.30 m no built-in flash
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps) 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
Max video resolution 1920x1080 3840x2160
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 226 grams (0.50 pounds) 658 grams (1.45 pounds)
Dimensions 106 x 69 x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") 137 x 97 x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 200 photos 400 photos
Battery type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID LI-50B DMW-BLF19
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec, pet auto shutter) Yes
Time lapse shooting
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II supported)
Card slots Single Two
Price at release $0 $1,500