Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony RX100

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Sony RX100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was announced 6 months earlier than the RX100 so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up against the RX100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Sony RX100 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS offers outside measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony RX100 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Sony RX100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS and the RX100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and RX100 is 89 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at specifications. The graphic below might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and RX100.

To sum up, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-31MR iHS using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Sony RX100 will give you greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots far more aggressively.