Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony RX10

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony RX10, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the RX10 (20MP) is fairly similar but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") use different sensor size.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was introduced 3 years prior to the RX10 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores against the RX10 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS provides outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 has sizing of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") having a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony RX10 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the RX10.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and RX10 is 89 and 58 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizing just by reading specifications. The graphic here should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and RX10.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony RX10 will offer greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.