Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G1

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and G1 (12MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and G1 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was released 3 years later than the G1 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades versus the G1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic G1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has got external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G1 has measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the G1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and G1 is 89 and 82 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing purely by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and G1.

Clearly, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will render more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The fresher SZ-31MR iHS should have a benefit in sensor tech.