Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic ZS100

Here is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic ZS100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is relatively close but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") possess totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was launched 4 years earlier than the ZS100 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a short view of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades against the ZS100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers exterior measurements 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 ZS100 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic ZS100 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS and the ZS100.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and ZS100 is 89 and 87 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to see the difference in sensor sizing just by looking through technical specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and ZS100.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS100 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures much more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.