Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax K-01

The following is a extended assessment of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax K-01, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the K-01 (16MP) is pretty close but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was revealed 3 months earlier than the K-01 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a brief view of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades vs the K-01 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax K-01. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features physical 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) while the Pentax K-01 has dimensions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") along with a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax K-01 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the K-01.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and K-01 is 89 and 76 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions just by looking through a spec sheet. The image underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and K-01.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses the exact same megapixels albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The SZ-31MR iHS has got the smaller sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field trickier.