Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax X90

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax X90, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and X90 (12MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was manufactured 20 months after the X90 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades versus the X90 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Pentax X90. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Pentax X90 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to consider 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") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax X90 has sizing of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") accompanied by a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Pentax X90 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the X90.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and X90 is 89 and 69 respectively.

Typically, its hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through technical specs. The pic here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and X90.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should count on the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to give you extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The newer SZ-31MR iHS provides an edge in sensor innovation.