Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony RX1R

Lets look more closely at the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony RX1R, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and RX1R (Full frame) boast totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-31MR iHS was brought out 16 months earlier than the RX1R making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores versus the RX1R in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Sony RX1R Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features exterior 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) and the Sony RX1R has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony RX1R in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS vs the RX1R.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and RX1R is 89 and 79 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements purely by going through specifications. The photograph here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and RX1R.

Plainly, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX1R will show more detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The older SZ-31MR iHS will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.