Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Sony A37

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Sony A37, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the A37 (16MP) is pretty similar but the SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") and A37 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-31MR iHS was manufactured 3 months before the A37 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up against the A37 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Sony SLT-A37. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Sony A37 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera often, you need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features physical 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) while the Sony A37 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Sony A37 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS compared to the A37.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-31MR iHS and A37 is 89 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reviewing technical specs. The photograph here will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-31MR iHS and A37.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SZ-31MR iHS comes with the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF tougher.