Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony RX1

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony RX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) boast different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was unveiled 12 months before the RX1 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up vs the RX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has got physical 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 RX1 has dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") and a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony RX1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the RX1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and RX1 is 89 and 79 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing only by going through a spec sheet. The photograph here may offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and RX1.

Clearly, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS using its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Sony RX1 will produce more detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.