Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony W530

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony W530, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the W530 (14MP) is very close and both cameras provide the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was revealed 14 months after the W530 making them a generation away from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony W530 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up versus the W530 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W530. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery and Sony W530 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features physical measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony W530 has proportions of 93mm x 53mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 113 grams (0.25 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony W530 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS versus the W530.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and W530 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizes only by viewing technical specs. The pic here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-31MR iHS and W530.

As you can tell, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to render extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The newer SZ-31MR iHS is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.