Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Samsung NX300

Below is a thorough review of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Samsung NX300, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the NX300 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and NX300 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was released 21 months prior to the NX300 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX300 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades vs the NX300 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Samsung NX300. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Samsung NX300 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Samsung NX300 has proportions of 122mm x 64mm x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") having a weight of 331 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Samsung NX300 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the NX300.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and NX300 is 89 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements purely by checking out specs. The graphic here should offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and NX300.

All in all, both of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Samsung NX300 will produce extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.