Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax K-5

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Pentax K-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is relatively similar but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was announced 14 months later than the K-5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the K-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax K-5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Pentax K-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the K-5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and K-5 is 89 and 60 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements just by reading specs. The visual here will help give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and K-5.

All in all, both of these cameras posses the exact same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS offers the tinier sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult. The fresher SZ-31MR iHS will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.