Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FH3

Let's examine more in depth at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic FH3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is pretty comparable and they come with the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was launched 2 years later than the FH3 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a concise view of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up versus the FH3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic FH3 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS provides outside 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) whilst the Panasonic FH3 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic FH3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the FH3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and FH3 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements only by going through specifications. The graphic underneath should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and FH3.

To sum up, both of the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to show extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots much more aggressively. The more modern SZ-31MR iHS provides a benefit in sensor innovation.