Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FS12

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic FS12, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and FS12 (12MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was brought out 2 years later than the FS12 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the FS12 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic FS12 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has outer measurements 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 FS12 has sizing of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic FS12 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS versus the FS12.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and FS12 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizing merely by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph below should offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and FS12.

Clearly, the 2 cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You can count on the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to show more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The newer SZ-31MR iHS should have an advantage in sensor technology.