Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax P80

Its time to look more in depth at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax P80, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and P80 (12MP) but both cameras have the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was manufactured 2 years later than the P80 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up against the P80 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax Optio P80. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Pentax P80 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS comes with external measurements 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 P80 has sizing of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax P80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the P80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and P80 is 89 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements merely by researching technical specs. The visual underneath will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and P80.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to render greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots more aggressively. The more recent SZ-31MR iHS is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.