Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax K-5 IIs

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax K-5 IIs, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) use different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was revealed 16 months earlier than the K-5 IIs which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up versus the K-5 IIs in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Pentax K-5 IIs. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has got physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 IIs has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax K-5 IIs in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS and the K-5 IIs.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and K-5 IIs is 89 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions simply by seeing a spec sheet. The image here will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and K-5 IIs.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer the same exact resolution albeit different sensor dimensions. The SZ-31MR iHS has got the smaller sensor which should make getting bokeh harder. The more aged SZ-31MR iHS will be behind with regard to sensor technology.