Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic S1

Here is a comprehensive review of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and S1 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was announced 14 months later than the S1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades versus the S1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic S1 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS provides physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic S1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the S1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and S1 is 89 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing purely by viewing specs. The photograph here will provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and S1.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can anticipate the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to result in more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more recent SZ-31MR iHS provides an advantage in sensor technology.