Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sigma DP1

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Sigma DP1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sigma. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and DP1 (5MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and DP1 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was introduced 3 years later than the DP1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades vs the DP1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sigma DP1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Sigma DP1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has external dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP1 has dimensions of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Sigma DP1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the DP1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and DP1 is 89 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by researching specs. The visual below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and DP1.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will render extra detail using its extra 11MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger SZ-31MR iHS will have a benefit in sensor technology.