Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FP8

On this page, we are matching up the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FP8, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and FP8 (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was manufactured 2 years later than the FP8 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up against the FP8 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Panasonic FP8 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features outside measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FP8 has measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FP8 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the FP8.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and FP8 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements simply by going over specs. The graphic below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and FP8.

All in all, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You should anticipate the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to offer you more detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The newer SZ-31MR iHS provides an advantage in sensor tech.