Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax K100D S

Here is a in depth analysis of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax K100D S, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and K100D S (6MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and K100D S (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was released 4 years later than the K100D S and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores versus the K100D S with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax K100D Super. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Pentax K100D S Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS comes with exterior dimensions 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 K100D S has proportions of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax K100D S in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS and the K100D S.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and K100D S is 89 and 65 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to see the gap in sensor sizing purely by seeing a spec sheet. The visual here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and K100D S.

Clearly, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more recent SZ-31MR iHS will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.