Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony NEX-5

Here is a thorough review of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was launched 21 months later than the NEX-5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up versus the NEX-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS comes with physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony NEX-5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and NEX-5 is 89 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing just by going through specs. The graphic underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and NEX-5.

All in all, each of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will provide greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images much more aggressively. The more modern SZ-31MR iHS is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.