Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic GX9

Here is a comprehensive review of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic GX9, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the GX9 (20MP) is fairly close but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and GX9 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was unveiled 7 years before the GX9 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up versus the GX9 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Panasonic GX9 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS comes with physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic GX9 has measurements of 124mm x 72mm x 47mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.9") with a weight of 407 grams (0.90 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic GX9 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at the time. The following is a front view size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the GX9.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and GX9 is 89 and 82 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing simply by researching technical specs. The visual below should offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and GX9.

As you can tell, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic GX9 will provide you with greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.