Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FH1

Its time to take a deeper look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic FH1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and FH1 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was brought out 2 years later than the FH1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores vs the FH1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Panasonic FH1 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has external dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic FH1 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic FH1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the FH1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and FH1 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and FH1.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to provide more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The younger SZ-31MR iHS is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.