Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Samsung Galaxy NX

Here is a thorough review of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Samsung Galaxy NX, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the Galaxy NX (20MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and Galaxy NX (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was announced 16 months prior to the Galaxy NX which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung Galaxy NX being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the Galaxy NX with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Samsung Galaxy NX. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Samsung Galaxy NX Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has got physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Samsung Galaxy NX has proportions of 137mm x 101mm x 26mm (5.4" x 4.0" x 1.0") with a weight of 495 grams (1.09 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Samsung Galaxy NX in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS versus the Galaxy NX.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and Galaxy NX is 89 and 82 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by checking technical specs. The graphic below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and Galaxy NX.

As you can tell, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS having a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Samsung Galaxy NX will resolve more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.