• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 676.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus SP-590UZ advantages over Olympus SZ-31MR

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Olympus SZ-31MR advantages over Olympus SP-590UZ

  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 98 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    226g vs 373g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus SP-565UZ

Olympus SP-590UZ
Olympus SP-565UZ
  • $450
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Hot shoe

Compare Olympus SP-590UZ vs Olympus SP-565UZ

Olympus SZ-31MR
Olympus SP-565UZ
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Thinner
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus SZ-31MR vs Olympus SP-565UZ

Compared to Pentax X70

Olympus SP-590UZ
Pentax X70
  • $450
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Longer exposure
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Faster shutter

Compare Olympus SP-590UZ vs Pentax X70

Olympus SZ-31MR
Pentax X70
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • HDMI out
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Olympus SZ-31MR vs Pentax X70

Compared to Pentax X90

Olympus SP-590UZ
Pentax X90
  • $450
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Longer exposure
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Faster shutter

Compare Olympus SP-590UZ vs Pentax X90

Olympus SZ-31MR
Pentax X90
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Olympus SZ-31MR vs Pentax X90

Compared to Olympus SZ-30MR

Olympus SP-590UZ
Olympus SZ-30MR
  • $450
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • HDMI out

Compare Olympus SP-590UZ vs Olympus SZ-30MR

Olympus SZ-31MR
Olympus SZ-30MR
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Olympus SZ-31MR vs Olympus SZ-30MR

Compared to Olympus SZ-15

Olympus SP-590UZ
Olympus SZ-15
  • $450
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $162
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Olympus SP-590UZ vs Olympus SZ-15

Olympus SZ-31MR
Olympus SZ-15
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $162
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Olympus SZ-31MR vs Olympus SZ-15

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