Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FZ100

On this page, we are looking at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic FZ100, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the FZ100 (14MP) is very close and both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was introduced 19 months later than the FZ100 making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up against the FZ100 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS provides outer measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ100 has measurements of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic FZ100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the FZ100.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and FZ100 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Usually, its hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements only by looking through specifications. The visual underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and FZ100.

Plainly, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to result in more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The younger SZ-31MR iHS is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.