Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic SZ5

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic SZ5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was announced 5 months earlier than the SZ5 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up versus the SZ5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers outer 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 SZ5 has measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic SZ5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS and the SZ5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and SZ5 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions only by reading through technical specs. The picture underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and SZ5.

As you can tell, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should count on the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to give you more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively.