Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony A580

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony A580, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the A580 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and A580 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was released 9 months later than the A580 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the SZ-31MR iHS grades vs the A580 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Sony A580 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS enjoys outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony A580 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony A580 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that moment. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the A580.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and A580 is 89 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing only by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph here will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and A580.

Clearly, both the cameras feature the identical megapixel count albeit different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS contains the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging. The younger SZ-31MR iHS should have a benefit in sensor technology.