Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the FZ1000 (20MP) is very well matched but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and FZ1000 (1") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was brought out 3 years prior to the FZ1000 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the FZ1000 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS comes with outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ1000 has specifications of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") having a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the FZ1000.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and FZ1000 is 89 and 55 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to see the difference between sensor measurements simply by checking specs. The photograph below should give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and FZ1000.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic FZ1000 will give you extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.