Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic ZR3

Below is a extended comparison of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic ZR3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is very similar and they come with the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was announced 2 years later than the ZR3 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades vs the ZR3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features external dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic ZR3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the ZR3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and ZR3 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading technical specs. The photograph here should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and ZR3.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to offer extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The newer SZ-31MR iHS will have a benefit in sensor innovation.