Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony NEX-F3

Below is a extended review of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony NEX-F3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the NEX-F3 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-F3 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was unveiled 6 months before the NEX-F3 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-F3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short introduction of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up versus the NEX-F3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS provides 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) whilst the Sony NEX-F3 has specifications of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony NEX-F3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS and the NEX-F3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and NEX-F3 is 89 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to envision the difference in sensor measurements merely by going through specs. The visual underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and NEX-F3.

All in all, the 2 cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS features the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF harder.