Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Samsung NX100

Its time to look a little more closely at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Samsung NX100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the NX100 (15MP) is very similar but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and NX100 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was brought out 18 months later than the NX100 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a quick view of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up against the NX100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Samsung NX100. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Samsung NX100 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has outside 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) while the Samsung NX100 has specifications of 120mm x 71mm x 35mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Samsung NX100 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS and the NX100.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and NX100 is 89 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements only by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and NX100.

Clearly, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS due to its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will offer greater detail having its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics much more aggressively. The younger SZ-31MR iHS is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.