Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic G3

Below, we are looking at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic G3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the G3 (16MP) is very close but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and G3 (Four Thirds) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was manufactured 8 months later than the G3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the G3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Panasonic G3 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you should take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic G3 has specifications of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") along with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic G3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the G3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and G3 is 89 and 83 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to see the difference in sensor measurements merely by researching specifications. The graphic underneath should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and G3.

To sum up, both of those cameras posses the exact same megapixels but not the same sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS uses the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier. The fresher SZ-31MR iHS will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.