Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
- 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
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 #101 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all around #622 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. You can use our Advanced camera filter to get camera results based on your personal criteria.
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.
F3.0-6.916MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery
You can view the SZ-31MR iHS from different angles in the gallery here.
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.
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.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthThe 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.
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music videoTo get an idea of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.
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.
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesBelow is a visual of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS besides a soda so you're able to have a sense of its size.
The top view here will illustrate the button arrangement on the SZ-31MR iHS.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photography GlossaryThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.