Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Samsung HZ15W

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Samsung HZ15W, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Samsung. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and HZ15W (12MP) but they come with the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The SZ-31MR iHS was revealed 3 years after the HZ15W which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the HZ15W in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Samsung HZ15W. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Samsung HZ15W Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS provides physical 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) and the Samsung HZ15W has sizing of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Samsung HZ15W in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS versus the HZ15W.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and HZ15W is 89 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizes only by looking at specifications. The image below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and HZ15W.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can anticipate the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to give you extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The more recent SZ-31MR iHS provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.