Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax MX-1

Let's look much closer at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax MX-1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was brought out 16 months prior to the MX-1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the MX-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Pentax MX-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera often, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS comes with physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax MX-1 has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax MX-1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the MX-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and MX-1 is 89 and 84 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizing just by viewing a spec sheet. The visual below should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and MX-1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will result in greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.