Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony A290

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony A290, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was announced 21 months later than the A290 making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the A290 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has physical 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) and the Sony A290 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony A290 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the A290.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and A290 is 89 and 66 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and A290.

As you can see, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will produce extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The more recent SZ-31MR iHS will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.