Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic FZ40

Below is a extended comparison of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic FZ40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is very well matched and they feature the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was brought out 19 months later than the FZ40 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up versus the FZ40 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers outside 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 FZ40 has sizing of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic FZ40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the FZ40.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and FZ40 is 89 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to see the contrast between sensor measurements merely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and FZ40.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to give you greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer SZ-31MR iHS will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.