Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax W90

On this page, we are matching up the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax W90, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Waterproof by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and W90 (12MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was unveiled 24 months later than the W90 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores versus the W90 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax Optio W90. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Pentax W90 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax W90 has dimensions of 108mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax W90 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the W90.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and W90 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to picture the gap in sensor measurements only by viewing technical specs. The graphic below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and W90.

As you can tell, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You should expect to see the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to render more detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos more aggressively. The younger SZ-31MR iHS provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.