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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

 
Olympus SZ-31MR iHS front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-600mm (F3.0-6.9) lens
  • 226g - 106 x 69 x 40mm
  • Revealed February 2012
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
89
Imaging
39
Features
47
Overall
42

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS overview

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is Olympus's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera initially released on February of 2012. The camera includes a 16MP, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a peak resolution of 4608 x 3456.

The SZ-31MR iHS is positioned #104 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all around #628 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. You can use our Advanced camera filter to get camera results based on your personal criteria.

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Below is a diagram of various criteria used in the scoring system.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS history

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is part of a family of digital cameras. You can read the complete list below.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Olympus-Stylus-SH-3 front thumbnailOlympus SH-3
SZ-31MR iHS vs SH-3
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2016
Olympus-Stylus-SH-2 front thumbnailOlympus SH-2
SZ-31MR iHS vs SH-2
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2015
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Olympus-Stylus-SH-1 front thumbnailOlympus SH-1
SZ-31MR iHS vs SH-1
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-Stylus-SP-100 front thumbnailOlympus SP-100
SZ-31MR iHS vs SP-100
24-1200mm
F2.9-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-SZ-15 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-15
SZ-31MR iHS vs SZ-15
23-483mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-SH-50 front thumbnailOlympus SH-50
SZ-31MR iHS vs SH-50
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
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Olympus-SZ-16-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-16 iHS
SZ-31MR iHS vs SZ-16 iHS
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-Stylus-SP-820UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-820UZ
SZ-31MR iHS vs SP-820UZ
22-896mm
F3.4-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-31MR-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-31MR iHS25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SP-620-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-620 UZ
SZ-31MR iHS vs SP-620 UZ
25-525mm
F3.1-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-12 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-12
SZ-31MR iHS vs SZ-12
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2012
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Olympus-SZ-11 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-11
SZ-31MR iHS vs SZ-11
25-500mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-810-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-810 UZ
SZ-31MR iHS vs SP-810 UZ
24-864mm
F2.9-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-30MR front thumbnailOlympus SZ-30MR
SZ-31MR iHS vs SZ-30MR
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-10 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-10
SZ-31MR iHS vs SZ-10
28-504mm
F3.1-4.4
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-610UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-610UZ
SZ-31MR iHS vs SP-610UZ
28-616mm
F3.3-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-600-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-600 UZ
SZ-31MR iHS vs SP-600 UZ
28-420mm
F3.5-5.4
12MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-800-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-800 UZ
SZ-31MR iHS vs SP-800 UZ
28-840mm
F2.8-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-565UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-565UZ
SZ-31MR iHS vs SP-565UZ
26-520mm
F2.8-4.5
10MP1/2.3"2009
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Olympus-SP-590-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-590 UZ
SZ-31MR iHS vs SP-590 UZ
26-676mm
F2.8-5.0
12MP1/2.3"2009

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Pros and Cons

Here is a list of positives and negatives of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS based on features that are usually seen as crucial in a digital camera.

boasts touch focus
decent megapixels (16 megapixels)
decent sized screen (3 inch)
flash built-in
good min ISO (80)
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
has touchscreen
high resolution screen (920 thousand dot)
includes HDMI support
lighter than competition in class (226g)
long reach (600mm)
long zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
pretty wide (25mm)
supports face detection focus
supports tracking autofocus
video res high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
doesn't have external mic jack
doesn't have headphone jack
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
focusing manually not possible
has no phase detect auto focus
has no RAW format
lack of aperture priority mode
lack of shutter priority mode
low battery power (200 shots)
max zoom aperture not good (f6.9)
no external flash support
no manual exposure
screen is fixed
screen is not selfie friendly
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
slow max aperture (f3.0)
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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Sensor specs

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS houses the Dual TruePic V processor. The sensor size on the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera includes Image Stabilization (Sensor-shift). In body stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter may cause cropping.

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The BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 16 megapixels and features a standard ISO range of 80 to 6400. Sadly, RAW format is not supported so the user has less margin for error.

The picture below illustrates the SZ-31MR iHS's sensor size in comparison to other popular sizes. The SZ-31MR iHS sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is presented in green.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS sensor size TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

To get an idea of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS dimensions

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has a weight of 0.50 lb (226 gr / 7.97 ounces) and the overall size of the camera is 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6"). The weight of general Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 gr and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is lighter than various rivals.

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Below is a visual of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS besides a soda so you're able to have a sense of its size.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS dimensions scale

The top view here will illustrate the button arrangement on the SZ-31MR iHS.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS topview buttons dials

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Lens details

The SZ-31MR iHS is equipped with a built in lens with a focal range of 25-600mm giving it a 24.0 x zoom which is amazing and can let you zoom right in.

At it's widest 25mm, it offers an aperture of f3.0 which will be pretty sluggish and not ideal in low light circumstances and you will likely find it hard to capture a shallow depth of field. You will likely also have to boost your ISO setting leading to noisy photos. On the long end, 600mm is incredible zoom and comes to f6.9 which is very slow and you will have to apply slower shutter speeds.

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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Connectivity

The SZ-31MR iHS has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that come with NFC or Bluetooth support are able to be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You will be able to send images and sometimes alter camera settings without connecting straight with the camera.

Many apps also provide a Liveview and press the shutter when you aren't near the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI out, it can easily be connected to an external monitor. A good number of cameras will allow you to recharge the battery using the USB port.

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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Video details

The highest video quality on the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is 1920 x 1080 and it can save in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 1080p quality gives you an excellent balance between video quality versus file size but FULL HD isn't going to leave you with much room to crop. The body doesn't include a mic or headphone socket so you have zero control over your sound. It is perhaps a better idea to purchase an alternative camera should you require decent sound in your videos.

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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Weather Sealing

There is no weather sealing in the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS so you have to be cautious in rainy and dusty conditions.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Screen and Viewfinder

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS includes a 3 inch fixed display with a resolution of 920 thousand dots.

Moreover the display is touch friendly so you will be able to switch focus point as well as change settings by using your fingertips.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS screen and viewfinder Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

The ViewFinder specifications regarding Olympus SZ-31MR iHS are below:

  • ViewFinder None

In those bright outdoor conditions that make the camera screens washed out and tough to view, viewfinders will be very helpful.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Shutter details

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS continuous shooting speed is 7.0 fps. The max shutter speed is 1/1700 sec.

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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Flash and Hot shoe details

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS includes just inbuilt flash lacking external flash ability.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Autofocusing details

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS includes only Contrast Based Auto Focus and lacks Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is more snappier & precise than Contrast Based focusing. The camera includes Face detection which is valuable for portrait photography.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has touch to focus. You are able to use your fingers to change focus points. It also includes Tracking Auto Focus for moving subjects. Olympus SZ-31MR iHS doesn't have manual focusing. Manual focusing mode can be good during low light occasions or you need to have more exact control on focusing.

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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Battery life

The battery power (LI-50B) in the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is made to last for 200 shutters based on the CIPA benchmarks making it lower than its rivals. The typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR features the highest (600) battery life within this range of cameras.

Underneath is a collection of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras with the strongest battery life:

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS for various types of photography

The following diagram indicates a summation of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS for various types of photography. To see more, visit the specific paragraph below.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Portrait photography information

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS receives a points total of 34 which is horrible, and means the camera is not suitable for portrait photos. Photographing portraits leans greatly towards sensor dimensions, RAW support in addition to the potential to utilize external flash.

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MP count good (16 megapixels)
includes face detect focus
lack of manual focus
manual mode not available
cannot use external flash
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Street photography info

Coming in at a above average score of 64, the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is a very decent option to use in street photography. A very good street photography camera provides a fine balance of image quality and portability.

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built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
offers touch focus
lighter than average (226g)
screen does not articulate
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Sports photography factors

A horrible sports photography rating of 44 indicates the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is not suitable for photographing sports. A camera needs very good autofocus and continuous shooting for sports photography.

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incredible zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
megapixel count good (16MP)
supports tracking focus
no shutter priority
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
terrible battery life (200 per charge)
doesn't have phase detect auto focus

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS as a Travel photography camera

Weight is very important when buying a travel camera. On the whole, the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS gets a above average 67 as a travelling camera which is a very decent fit to take with you on your travels.

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lighter than others (226g)
comes with focus by touch
good resolution (16 megapixels)
built-in flash
decently wide (25mm)
very long reach (600mm)
missing Timelapse function
terrible battery (200 CIPA)
display is not selfie friendly
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.0)

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Landscape photography information

For anyone who is planning to buy a digital camera for landscape photographs, the biggest factor is going to be image quality. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS at it's horrible grade of 41 for a landscape camera is not suitable within the current marketplace.

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reasonably wide (25mm)
decent sized screen (3 inches)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
focusing manually not possible
can't switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.0)
no manual control
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support
not so great battery (200 shots)
lack of Timelapse mode

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS as a Vlogging camera

A vlogging camera should really come with a articulating display, mic port and ideally IBIS. Taking everything into account, the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is not suitable for vlogging as it comes to a horrible score of 35.

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fairly wide (25mm)
built-in touchscreen
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
comes with face detect focus
great video quality (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than others in class (226g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.0)
display is not selfie friendly
missing mic jack

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Alternatives

If you are looking for alternatives to the SZ-31MR iHS, here is a list of the highest placed cameras that fall under the category of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The graph below gives you an overview of the SZ-31MR iHS vs it's highest ranking competitors listed previously.

Here are a handful of other cameras you may view as alternative options. To check out a full comparison, visit the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand
Olympus
Model type
Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
Category
Small Sensor Superzoom
Revealed
2012-02-08
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Chip
Dual TruePic V
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Full resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW format
Max native ISO
6400
Minimum native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
Tracking AF
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Cross type focus points
0
Lens
Lens support
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
25-600mm (24.0x)
Max aperture
f/3.0-6.9
Macro focusing distance
1cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen sizing
3 inch
Screen resolution
920 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Screen technology
Hypercrystal III TFT Color LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
4s
Highest shutter speed
1/1700s
Continuous shooting speed
7.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Change WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance
9.30 m
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video file format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
226 grams (0.50 pounds)
Dimensions
106 x 69 x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6")
Other
Battery life
200 shots
Battery format
Battery Pack
Battery ID
LI-50B
Self timer
Yes (2 or 12 sec, pet auto shutter)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
1
Pricing at launch
$0