Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax RZ10

Below is a complete overview of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax RZ10, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the RZ10 (14MP) is very close and both cameras posses the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was revealed 7 months later than the RZ10 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades against the RZ10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Pentax Optio RZ10. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Pentax RZ10 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers outside 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 RZ10 has measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax RZ10 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the RZ10.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and RZ10 is 89 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to picture the difference in sensor measurements merely by viewing specs. The photograph underneath will provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and RZ10.

All in all, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You can expect to see the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to render more detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The fresher SZ-31MR iHS should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.