Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony HX1

The following is a extensive overview of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") feature different sensor size.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was launched 2 years after the HX1 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores vs the HX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS enjoys physical dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony HX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the HX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and HX1 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions purely by seeing specifications. The picture here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and HX1.

To sum up, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-31MR iHS because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will produce more detail utilizing its extra 7 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics far more aggressively. The younger SZ-31MR iHS should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.