Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax 645Z

Here is a extensive overview of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Pentax 645Z, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Pro DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was announced 3 years before the 645Z and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades versus the 645Z in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Pentax 645Z. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has outside measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax 645Z has sizing of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") along with a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Pentax 645Z in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the 645Z.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and 645Z is 89 and 49 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing simply by checking specs. The visual underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and 645Z.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS having a tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Pentax 645Z will resolve more detail with its extra 35MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.