Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony A33

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony A33, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the A33 (14MP) is fairly similar but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and A33 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was brought out 18 months later than the A33 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A33 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SZ-31MR iHS scores vs the A33 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Sony SLT-A33. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Sony A33 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony A33 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS and Sony A33 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS versus the A33.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-31MR iHS and A33 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements merely by reading specs. The visual here might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-31MR iHS and A33.

All in all, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS will offer you more detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos way more aggressively. The more recent SZ-31MR iHS is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.