Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic ZS7

Below, we will be contrasting the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic ZS7, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and ZS7 (12MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was revealed 7 months later than the ZS7 which means that they are both of a similar age. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up against the ZS7 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic ZS7 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers outer measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS7 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Panasonic ZS7 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the ZS7.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and ZS7 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to imagine the difference in sensor measurements purely by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic here should give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and ZS7.

As you can see, each of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different megapixels. You can count on the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to show greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger SZ-31MR iHS should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.