Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic GH4

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic GH4, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the GH4 (16MP) is pretty close but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and GH4 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was released 24 months prior to the GH4 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the GH4 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has got outer measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH4 has specifications of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic GH4 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the GH4.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and GH4 is 89 and 66 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizes only by researching technical specs. The picture underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and GH4.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizes. The SZ-31MR iHS includes the smaller sensor which will make achieving bokeh tougher. The more aged SZ-31MR iHS will be behind in sensor innovation.