Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony NEX-5R

Below is a in depth comparison of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony NEX-5R, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is fairly similar but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was announced 6 months prior to the NEX-5R so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short view of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the NEX-5R with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has exterior 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 NEX-5R has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

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

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS against the NEX-5R.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and NEX-5R is 89 and 89 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to see the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and NEX-5R.

As you can see, the two cameras feature the identical resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS features the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF trickier.