Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony A390

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony A390, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the A390 (14MP) is pretty close but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was released 19 months later than the A390 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades vs the A390 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Sony A390 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has got outside measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony A390 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony A390 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the A390.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and A390 is 89 and 66 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing just by viewing technical specs. The graphic below will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and A390.

As you can tell, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will render more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The younger SZ-31MR iHS is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.