Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Samsung NX mini

The following is a extended assessment of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Samsung NX mini, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Samsung. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and NX mini (20.5MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and NX mini (1") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was revealed 3 years prior to the NX mini which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX mini being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the NX mini with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Samsung NX mini. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Samsung NX mini Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features 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) while the Samsung NX mini has sizing of 110mm x 62mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 196 grams (0.43 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Samsung NX mini in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the NX mini.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and NX mini is 89 and 93 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by looking at technical specs. The pic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and NX mini.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-31MR iHS using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Samsung NX mini will resolve extra detail because of its extra 4.5 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged SZ-31MR iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.