Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic GM1

Following is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic GM1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the GM1 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and GM1 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was revealed 22 months before the GM1 making them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores versus the GM1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic GM1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM1 has proportions of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") along with a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic GM1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS and the GM1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and GM1 is 89 and 93 respectively.

Generally, its tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes just by checking a spec sheet. The picture here might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and GM1.

Clearly, both cameras come with the identical resolution but different sensor sizes. The SZ-31MR iHS provides the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging. The more aged SZ-31MR iHS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.