Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FX48

Below is a extended review of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic FX48, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and FX48 (12MP) but they possess the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was released 3 years later than the FX48 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a short overview of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades vs the FX48 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic FX48 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS enjoys external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FX48 has proportions of 95mm x 53mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic FX48 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the FX48.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and FX48 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to see the difference between sensor measurements purely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and FX48.

Clearly, the two cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to give extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics much more aggressively. The younger SZ-31MR iHS will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.