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

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony NEX-5T, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the NEX-5T (16MP) is pretty similar but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-5T (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was revealed 18 months before the NEX-5T which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5T being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summation of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up against the NEX-5T in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Sony Alpha NEX-5T. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Sony NEX-5T Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5T has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony NEX-5T in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS and the NEX-5T.

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

In many cases, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over a spec sheet. The graphic here may give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and NEX-5T.

As you can see, both the cameras posses the exact same MP albeit different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS provides the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower depth of field harder. The older SZ-31MR iHS is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.