Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic GH2

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic GH2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is fairly close but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor size.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was brought out 11 months after the GH2 which means that they are of a similar age. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the GH2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has got outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic GH2 has dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic GH2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the GH2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and GH2 is 89 and 70 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions merely by researching technical specs. The picture here may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and GH2.

As you have seen, both the cameras have the same megapixel count but different sensor dimensions. The SZ-31MR iHS includes the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF more difficult. The more recent SZ-31MR iHS provides an advantage in sensor tech.