Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FZ200

Below is a in depth review of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic FZ200, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and FZ200 (12MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was manufactured 5 months prior to the FZ200 and they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief view of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up against the FZ200 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic FZ200 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has outer 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 FZ200 has specifications of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") having a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic FZ200 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the FZ200.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and FZ200 is 89 and 65 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements merely by going over a spec sheet. The graphic below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and FZ200.

Clearly, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to offer you greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots more aggressively.