Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony Alpha NEX-3: A Comprehensive Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Selecting a camera that perfectly balances technical capability, usability, and value is no trivial task - especially when contrasting models as distinct in design and purpose as the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and the Sony Alpha NEX-3. Despite both cameras debuting in the early 2010s and targeting entry-level users, they represent divergent philosophies: the SZ-31MR iHS embraces a compact superzoom format with broad focal reach in a pocketable form, whereas the NEX-3 introduces mirrorless system versatility with a significantly larger sensor and interchangeable lenses.

This detailed, side-by-side breakdown from my years of hands-on testing across diverse photographic disciplines will help photographers - from enthusiasts to semi-professionals - navigate the strengths and weaknesses of these cameras to determine which is a better fit for their creative ambitions and workflow.

Physical Design and Handling: Compact Convenience vs System Versatility

Ergonomics and the tactile experience fundamentally influence a camera’s enjoyment and effectiveness. Therefore, starting with body design and control layout is critical.

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS measures a compact 106 x 69 x 40 mm and weighs only 226 grams with battery. It blends easily into pockets or small bags, prioritizing effortless portability and quick grab-and-shoot readiness - especially suited to casual or travel photographers who recoil from bulky gear.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-3, at 117 x 62 x 33 mm and 297 grams body-only, occupies a middle ground between compactness and handling ergonomics. Its rangefinder-style mirrorless body feels sturdier in hand, facilitating more secure grips for longer shoots. The NEX-3 also supports an extensive lens lineup, which adds bulk but offers creative flexibility unattainable on fixed-lens compacts.

From a user interface perspective, both cameras feature a 3-inch LCD screen with 920k-dot resolution, but design ergonomics differ notably. The Olympus presents a touchscreen-enabled Hypercrystal III TFT LCD fixed in place - streamlining quick focus selection but limiting compositional flexibility. Meanwhile, the Sony offers a tilting TFT Xtra Fine LCD (without touchscreen), enhancing framing from awkward angles, invaluable for macro or street photography. The NEX-3’s dedicated physical controls, including shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes, grant hands-on exposure manipulation absent from the SZ-31MR’s fully automatic exposure system.

Bottom Line: The SZ-31MR delivers ultra-portability and user simplicity, ideal for photographers seeking one-handed shooting without fuss. The NEX-3, while larger, delivers superior ergonomics and manual control access supporting deliberate image-making.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Matters

At the heart of any camera’s imaging prowess lies its sensor technology. Here, the differences are stark and help define each model's photographic strengths.

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS sports a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²) with 16-megapixel resolution (4608 x 3456 pixels). This is a typical compact sensor size - and while the Backside Illuminated (BSI) design offers decent low-light capability for the class, the physical size inherently limits dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, and high ISO performance.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-3 utilizes a considerably larger APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm (365.04 mm²) - more than 13 times the surface area of the Olympus sensor with a moderate 14 megapixels (4592 x 3056 pixels). Larger pixels translate into better light gathering capability, superior dynamic range (measured DxO dynamic range of 12.0 stops), and enhanced low-light sensitivity (DxO low-light ISO rating of 830 compared to the untested Olympus).

Moreover, the Sony’s sensor supports RAW capture - an indispensable feature for professionals and enthusiasts who wish to maximize image quality through post-processing. The Olympus, lacking RAW support, limits editing flexibility and professional workflows.

Image Quality in Practice:

• Skin tones from the Olympus display respectable color rendition but suffer from noisier shadows in low-light portraits.
• The Sony’s APS-C sensor delivers cleaner, more natural skin tone gradations with less color noise and better shadow detail retention.
• Landscapes sharpen through higher dynamic range capturing more tonal gradations between highlights and shadows, markedly on the NEX-3.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: Fixed Superzoom vs Interchangeable Optics

Lens choice remains a pivotal decision factor since it directly affects creative options and image outcome.

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS ships with a fixed 25–600mm equivalent (24x optical zoom) lens featuring an aperture range of f/3.0 to f/6.9. This impressive zoom range uniquely caters to wildlife and sports photographers favoring sheer reach in a small package without changing lenses. Additionally, the minimum macro focus distance of 1cm enables intriguing close-up photography, supplemented by sensor-shift image stabilization to harness sharper handheld shots at telephoto.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-3 offers compatibility with Sony’s E-mount lenses - a growing ecosystem totaling over 120 distinct lenses at release. This provides access to professional primes (fast apertures like f/1.8), ultra-wide, telephoto zooms, macro lenses, and specialist optics. Although the system requires investing in lenses separately, it empowers photographers to tailor their optical setup for genres as diverse as portraiture, macro, and astrophotography.

The absence of in-body image stabilization in the NEX-3 means reliance on optically stabilized lenses or tripods - an important note for long-exposure or telephoto use.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Varied Conditions

Reliable autofocus (AF) performance influences success across all photography genres, particularly action and wildlife.

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS employs a contrast-detection AF system with face detection and limited continuous AF tracking, but lacks phase-detection hardware, resulting in moderate focusing speed that can falter in low light or fast-moving subjects. The camera also supports selective face detection but cannot lock precisely on eyes or animal faces, limiting portrait sharpness on moving subjects.

Meanwhile, the Sony NEX-3 also uses contrast-detection AF but distinguishes itself with a 25-point focus area system (versus an unspecified number for Olympus), including multi-area AF and spot modes. Manual focus capability further enhances accuracy when autofocus struggles. Despite no eye or animal detection (which contemporary models introduced later), the higher number of AF points and momentary continuous AF bursts aid sports and street shooters.

In real-world testing, both crop frame sensors require patience in tracking erratic subjects, but the Sony’s AF system affords better customization and evidence of more precise lock-on, thanks to increased focus points and customizable AF area selection.

Display and Interface: Information at Your Fingertips

User interface impacts shooting efficiency and creative control ease.

The Olympus’s touchscreen allows intuitive focus point selection and menu navigation, reducing button clutter and speeding up shooting in casual scenarios. However, the fixed screen limits flexibility when composing from difficult angles - restricting creativity in macro or street photography where lower or higher vantage points add interest.

The Sony’s tilting LCD, though non-touch, opens avenues for varied framing techniques. In my experience, the tilting mechanism offers tangible benefits for low-angle landscape shots or quick street photography discreetness by allowing shooting from waist height without lifting the camera to eye level - which also preserves spontaneous moments unnoticed.

Custom button configuration is limited on both devices. Nevertheless, the Sony’s dedicated manual mode dial and exposure compensation feature provide a richer interface for enthusiasts who demand exposure precision.

Burst Shooting and Video Features: Motion Capture and Multimedia

Capturing fleeting moments and creating multimedia content are increasingly integral to photographers’ workflows.

Both cameras deliver a respectable continuous shooting speed of 7 frames per second (fps), suitable for casual sports and wildlife applications. However, buffer depth and autofocus tracking during bursts tend to favor the NEX-3 given its more robust processor and AF flexibility.

On video capabilities, the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS shoots Full HD (1920x1080) at 30 fps, employing an H.264 codec, ideal for quality hobbyist video recording. Its sensor-shift stabilization also improves handheld video steadiness, a practical advantage.

The Sony NEX-3, limited to 720p HD video at 30 fps with MPEG-4 format, trails the Olympus on video resolution and quality. Its lack of built-in stabilization and microphone/headphone ports constrains audio and motion control options. While not designed as dedicated video cameras, these specifications highlight the SZ-31MR’s early edge in hybrid photo-video capabilities.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

Extended battery endurance and data transfer options contribute to convenience on location.

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers around 200 shots per charge using its proprietary LI-50B battery, reflecting typical compact camera longevity.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-3 excels here with an official estimate of approximately 330 shots on a single NP-FW50 battery charge, owing to more efficient power management and mirrorless system design. This difference is significant for travel and event photographers who cannot frequently swap batteries.

Both cameras support Eye-Fi cards for wireless image transfer but lack modern Bluetooth or NFC connectivity. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports are standard for wired connections.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Handling the Elements

Neither the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS nor the Sony NEX-3 offers environmental sealing, water resistance, or ruggedization, so both require careful handling in adverse weather.

For adventurous photographers seeking weatherproof reliability, alternative models should be considered, or protective housing employed as necessary.

Evaluating Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Different photographic disciplines impose varied demands on camera systems. Using an aggregated and weighted scoring analysis seen in industry benchmarks, supplemented by my own testing, let’s explore how each model performs.

Olympus SZ 31MR iHS front Olympus SZ 31MR iHS screen back Sony NEX 3 front Sony NEX 3 screen back

• Portraiture: Sony NEX-3 edges ahead due to superior sensor and RAW support, delivering more nuanced skin tones and background separation with fast primes, despite Olympus’s effective face detection.
• Landscape: The NEX-3’s APS-C sensor delivers superior dynamic range and resolution, capturing expansive tonal gradations critical for landscapes. Olympus’s fixed lens limits compositional freedom.
• Wildlife: Olympus’s 24x zoom lens allows extreme reach suitable for casual wildlife photography, though Sony’s lens ecosystem provides more options with high-quality telephotos, at higher cost and bulk.
• Sports: Both offer 7 fps burst speed, but Sony’s more precise AF coverage enables better tracking, important for fast-paced action.
• Street: Compact, quiet operation and touchscreen of Olympus make it discreet, but Sony offers superior image quality and framing options with tilting LCD.
• Macro: Olympus’s 1 cm close-focus distance combined with stabilizer helps macro handheld shooting, but Sony’s compatible macro primes deliver higher resolution and detail.
• Night/Astro: Sony’s larger sensor and higher native ISO range outperform Olympus’s smaller sensor, producing cleaner, usable images.
• Video: Olympus leads with Full HD and optical stabilization versus Sony’s 720p limitation.
• Travel: Olympus’s lightweight pocketable design excels for spontaneous travel photography; Sony offers flexibility but at higher carrying cost.
• Professional Workflows: Sony’s RAW output, manual controls, and lens versatility better serve professional demands.

In-Depth Genre-Specific Scores and Recommendations

• Portrait & Studio: Sony NEX-3 is preferable for controlled environments where RAW processing and prime lenses bring distinct advantages.
• Travel & Street: Olympus dominates for speed, portability, and zoom reach; Sony is better if carrying multiple lenses is acceptable.
• Landscape & Night: Sony’s sensor size and dynamic range make it the clear choice.
• Macro: For casual close-ups, Olympus’s minimum focus distance is impressive; enthusiastic macro shooters benefit from Sony’s selection of dedicated lenses.
• Sports & Wildlife: Olympus’s superzoom is attractive for reach at the cost of AF precision; Sony's system enables higher-quality imagery with better AF but requires heavier investment.

Final Words: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Both cameras hold unique merit reflective of early 2010s technological trade-offs:

Choose the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS if you:

• Prioritize portability and ease of use without interchangeable lenses.
• Value an extensive zoom lens (25–600mm equivalent).
• Want better Full HD video alongside good stills.
• Prefer touchscreen simplicity and fast point-and-shoot operation.
• Shoot mostly casual wildlife, travel, and macro in well-lit conditions.
• Have budget or convenience constraints precluding buying multiple lenses.

Choose the Sony Alpha NEX-3 if you:

• Demand superior image quality from a significantly larger APS-C sensor.
• Wish to grow a versatile lens collection to suit varied photography pursuits.
• Require RAW format shooting and expanded manual control.
• Are prepared to handle additional size and weight for creative flexibility.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, astrophotography, and professional workflows.
• Can compromise on Full HD video and in-body stabilization.

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS represents a versatile ultra-zoom compact aimed at convenience and casual to enthusiast photographers seeking all-in-one simplicity. Conversely, the Sony NEX-3 opens a gateway into mirrorless interchangeable lens photography, appealing to those ready to invest in higher image quality and creative freedom.

Regardless of choice, both models demonstrate the evolutionary crossroads of early mirrorless and compact superzoom cameras, offering enduring lessons in balancing sensor size, lens options, and user experience.

This detailed hands-on comparison reflects extensive testing, including side-by-side image analysis, autofocus responsiveness evaluations, ergonomics trials, and field-use across multiple photography genres - ensuring this guide equips you with deep, actionable insights to make an informed, personalized camera decision.