Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Review | 108 Data compared

The Olympus SZ-31MR, as reviewed by ePHOTOzine, is a compact camera featuring a 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and a versatile 24x optical zoom lens (25-600mm) that delivers well-exposed, color-accurate images. It excels in speed with 10fps burst shooting and 1080p video, aided by dual TruePic V processors, while offering a 3cm macro mode for close-up shots. Conversely, the review notes that image quality becomes soft in the corners at full zoom, and the 3.0-inch touchscreen lacks visibility in bright sunlight. The camera lacks a viewfinder and, for advanced users, misses RAW support and full manual controls, though it offers capable iAuto and Magic Filter modes.

The Expert Reviews evaluation highlights the Olympus SZ-31MR as a highly capable compact travel-zoom camera, particularly praised for its innovative multi-recording capabilities. The camera's standout feature is its ability to simultaneously record 1080p Full HD video at 30fps and capture full-resolution 16-megapixel still images. It features an impressive 24x optical zoom lens, a sharp 3-inch touchscreen display with a high 920,000-dot resolution, and strong continuous shooting speeds that can reach up to 60fps at a reduced 5-megapixel resolution. Additionally, the camera is equipped with helpful built-in creative shooting tools, including an automatic panorama stitcher and HDR exposure modes. However, the reviewer notes that the device compromises on raw performance and manual customization. The camera entirely lacks manual exposure controls and built-in GPS functionality. While the massive 24x lens performs relatively well across its focal range, the overall image quality is deemed good rather than excellent, as the 16-megapixel sensor struggles in low-light environments, producing noticeably smudged details upon close inspection. Its shot-to-shot response time is also somewhat sluggish at 1.8 seconds. Finally, the audio performance in video mode is occasionally...

The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is a compact travel-zoom camera that upgrades its predecessor with a new touch-screen interface, slightly modified control layout, and faster processing speeds driven by dual TruePic V processors. On the positive side, the camera boasts an impressive 24x optical zoom range, a responsive and well-integrated touch shutter/focus system, excellent color accuracy with near-perfect saturation, and highly versatile burst shooting modes capable of up to 10 frames per second at full resolution. Beginners will also benefit from an accessible Intelligent Auto setting and a smooth 1080p video mode that performs well even under low-light conditions. However, the camera suffers from significant design and performance drawbacks. Its primary flaw is the "zoom ratio trap," where squeezing a massive 24x zoom into a tiny body severely degrades overall image quality, resulting in below-average sharpness scores, heavy pixelation from overly aggressive noise-reduction software, and noticeable color fringing (chromatic aberration). Physically, the camera features an outdated design, a recessed and inconvenient power button, a loose mode dial that shifts easily in pockets, and an ergonomically frustrating video button placed directly in...

The Olympus SZ-31MR, featured on Trusted Reviews, is a compact travel camera featuring a 24x optical zoom (25-600mm equivalent) that offers excellent color reproduction, fast continuous shooting, and sharp 1080p video. It is praised for its practical touchscreen and reliable battery life, making it a convenient, portable option for travelers. Trusted Reviews However, the review notes significant drawbacks, including soft, mushy image details at the edges when zooming beyond 10x, and a tendency for noise reduction to smear fine details at higher ISO settings. Additionally, the camera struggles with flattering portraits and has awkward handling due to poorly placed power and video buttons.

The Olympus SZ-31MR is a capable, compact travel camera featuring a 24x (25-600mm) optical zoom, a 16.8-megapixel CMOS sensor, and a 3-inch 920k-dot touchscreen that produces excellent, color-accurate images with fast performance. Pros include its versatile zoom range, high-speed shooting, Full 1080p video, and solid, portable build. However, the camera struggles with screen visibility in direct, bright sunlight, and lacks an electronic viewfinder. Additionally, it provides limited manual controls and produces underwhelming portrait shots compared to its strong, general-purpose performance.

The Olympus SZ-31MR is a compact travel-zoom camera that features a 16-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with a powerful 24x zoom lens (25-600mm equivalent). It is highly praised for its quality build, excellent 3-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, and punchy, nicely balanced image quality at lower zoom levels. Performance-wise, the camera shines in high-speed continuous shooting, capable of firing up to 12 full-resolution images at 7.5 frames per second (fps) or capturing lower-resolution images at a staggering 61.6fps using its built-in buffer. Video capabilities are also solid, recording 1080p Full HD video at 60fps with effective sensor-shift image stabilization that reduces hand shake. However, the camera has notable drawbacks that hold it back from perfection. Its headline "multi-recording" features—such as recording small video clips alongside a photo or capturing two differently sized files at once—are heavily dismissed as useless gimmicks. While low-magnification photos are incredibly sharp, image quality suffers a noticeable drop-off once you push past the 10x zoom threshold, resulting in softer details and visible grain as ISO numbers climb past ISO 800. Additionally, the exposure compensation menu creates frustrating...

The Olympus SZ-31MR is an entry-to-mid-level digital camera tailored for amateur photographers seeking high-end features in a highly portable package. Chief among its pros is the impressive 16-megapixel lens with a 24x optical zoom, allowing users to capture crisp 16:9 ratio photos and highly detailed close-ups of distant objects. The camera boasts a sleek, lightweight, and pocket-sized design accompanied by a clear 3-inch screen and a highly intuitive layout. Additionally, it introduces an innovative multi-recording feature that allows users to seamlessly snap photos while simultaneously recording full 1080p HD video at 60 frames-per-second. Casual users will also appreciate the creative freedom offered by its built-in radial dial filters, such as the "Dramatic" mode and a localized "Beauty" mode that acts as an easy-to-use Photoshop alternative for portrait touch-ups. However, the camera suffers from significant drawbacks, most notably its critically flawed audio recording during videography. Because the built-in microphones are positioned directly above the lens, they explicitly capture the internal mechanical whirring of the autofocus motor, rendering ambient voices and sound nearly impossible to decipher. Compounding this issue is the total...