Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

The following is a in depth analysis of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Ricoh GR Digital IV, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Ricoh. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and GR Digital IV (10MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was released 5 months after the GR Digital IV which means that they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades against the GR Digital IV for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Ricoh GR Digital IV. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS enjoys physical dimensions 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 Ricoh GR Digital IV has sizing of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Ricoh GR Digital IV in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS versus the GR Digital IV.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and GR Digital IV is 89 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to see the gap in sensor dimensions simply by researching a spec sheet. The image below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and GR Digital IV.

As you can see, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-31MR iHS due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a good deal more aggressively.