Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Ricoh GR III

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Ricoh GR III, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Ricoh. There exists a noticeable gap between the resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and GR III (24MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and GR III (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was launched 7 years earlier than the GR III which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up versus the GR III when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

For those who are going to travel with your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has outside 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 III has dimensions of 109mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 257 grams (0.57 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Ricoh GR III in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the GR III.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and GR III is 89 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to see the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading through specs. The image underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and GR III.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-31MR iHS because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Ricoh GR III will resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged SZ-31MR iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.