Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Samsung NX30

In this article, we are reviewing the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Samsung NX30, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the NX30 (20MP) is very comparable but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and NX30 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was launched 23 months earlier than the NX30 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the NX30 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Samsung NX30. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Samsung NX30 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has got outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Samsung NX30 has proportions of 127mm x 96mm x 58mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.3") along with a weight of 375 grams (0.83 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Samsung NX30 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the NX30.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and NX30 is 89 and 75 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to envision the contrast in sensor measurements only by going through technical specs. The graphic here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and NX30.

As you have seen, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS because of its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Samsung NX30 will show extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos far more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.