FujiFilm S2500HD vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Comparison

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FujiFilm S2500HD

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

16 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

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FujiFilm S2500HD vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing S2500HD and SZ-31MR iHS, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras from FujiFilm and Olympus. Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but FujiFilm S2500HD has a 12.0 MP and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has a 16.0 MP resolution. FujiFilm S2500HD was introduced to market in July 2010 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS was launched in February 2012. There is 19 months difference between S2500HD and SZ-31MR iHS so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger SZ-31MR iHS, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS before getting into our more detailed comparison.

FujiFilm S2500HD Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2010-07-06

12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 100 - 1600 ( expands to 3200)

28-504 mm F3.1-5.6 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

Electronic viewfinder

1 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

337g. 110 x 73 x 81 mm

Also known as FinePix S2600HD

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2012-02-08

16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 80 - 6400

25-600 mm F3.0-6.9 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

7 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

240fps High-Speed Video

226g. 106 x 69 x 40 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD over Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Viewfinder	Electronic vs None	Better framing and control
Max Mech. Shutter	1/2000s vs 1/1700s	faster mechanical shutter
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Max Aperture - Tele	5.60 vs 6.90	faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area	2.34µm² vs 1.76µm²	32% larger pixel area

Reasons to choose Olympus SZ-31MR iHS over FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD

Touch Screen	Yes vs No	Easy control of camera functions
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	very handy for portraits
Max Sensor Resolution	16 MP vs 12 MP	33% more pixels
Max ISO	6.400 vs 1.600	300% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Resolution	920k dots vs 230k dots	300% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting	7.0fps vs 1.0fps	6 fps faster
Weight	226 g vs 337 g	111 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide	25mm vs 28mm	3 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	600mm vs 504mm	96 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	24× vs 18×	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	3.00 vs 3.10	faster lens at wide
Flash Coverage	9.3m vs 4.4m	4.9m longer range
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720	Higher Resolution Video

Common Strengths of FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift vs Sensor-shift	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Focal Length - Tele	504mm vs 600mm	Very good Telezoom

Common Weaknesses of FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe	No vs No	Not suitable for flash photography
RAW Support	No vs No	Lower image quality
Manual Focusing	No vs No	No manual focusing modes
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions

FujiFilm S2500HD vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. FujiFilm S2500HD has external dimensions of 110 x 73 x 81 mm (4.33 x 2.89 x 3.19″) and weighs 337 g (0.74 lb / 11.89 oz) (including batteries). Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has external dimensions of 106 x 69 x 40 mm (4.17 x 2.72 x 1.57″) and weighs 226 g (0.50 lb / 7.97 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 4mm narrower, 4mm shorter and 41mm thinner than FujiFilm S2500HD.

Comparison image of FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS.

Top View Comparison image of FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is significantly lighter (111g ) than the FujiFilm S2500HD which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

S2500HD

SZ-31MR iHS

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

S2500HD

SZ-31MR iHS

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD (FinePix S2600HD) nor Olympus SZ-31MR iHS provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

FujiFilm S2500HD vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS: Sensor Comparison

FujiFilm S2500HD has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Dual TruePic V processor.

Below you can see the S2500HD and SZ-31MR iHS sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Cameras

FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since FujiFilm S2500HD has 32% larger pixel area compared to Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

FujiFilm S2500HD vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Lens Specs Comparison

FujiFilm S2500HD features a 28-504 mm F3.1-5.6 18× zoom lens whereas Olympus SZ-31MR iHS features a 25-600 mm F3.0-6.9 24× zoom lens.

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has 3mm wider coverage than the FujiFilm S2500HD. At f3.00, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has 96mm longer telezoom reach than the FujiFilm S2500HD. However, with a max aperture of f5.60, FujiFilm S2500HD is faster at widest end.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

S2500HD

SZ-31MR iHS

Widest - Samsung WB2200F

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

S2500HD

SZ-31MR iHS

Longest - Nikon P1000

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

S2500HD

SZ-31MR iHS

Fastest - Olympus 1

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

S2500HD

SZ-31MR iHS

Fastest - Sony RX10 III

Average

What types of Photography are FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

FujiFilm S2500HD for Portrait Photography

POOR

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS for Portrait Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

FujiFilm S2500HD for Street Photography

GOOD

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS for Street Photography

GOOD

Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

FujiFilm S2500HD for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS for Sports Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Exposure Mode
504 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Manual Focus Mode
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
600 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1700s
Unknown Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 200 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.90
Read the details

FujiFilm S2500HD for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS for Daily Photography

GOOD

18.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
337g
Body Thickness 81mm
Read the details

Compact Body
226g
24.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Body Thickness 40mm
Read the details

FujiFilm S2500HD for Landscape Photography

POOR

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS for Landscape Photography

POOR

Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

FujiFilm S2500HD vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how FujiFilm S2500HD and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS scores compare:

FujiFilm S2500HD

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #98 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #774 out of 1225 in all Cameras

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #159 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #686 out of 1225 in all Cameras

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is the clear winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats FujiFilm S2500HD in all criteria.
It has better general image quality, more features, more compact body and offers more value for the money

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs FujiFilm S2500HD Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	FujiFilm FinePix S2500HD	Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
Brand	FujiFilm	Olympus
Announced	2010-07-06	2012-02-08
Body Type	SLR-like (bridge)	Compact
Sensor
Type	CCD	BSI-CMOS
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area	28.07mm²	28.07mm²
Megapixels	12 megapixels	16 megapixels
Max Resolution	4000 x 3000	4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity	1,600 ISO	6,400 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity	3200 ISO	-
Min Native Light sensitivity	100 ISO	80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	n/a	n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	28-504 mm (18×)	25-600 mm (24×)
Max Aperture	F3.1-5.6	F3.0-6.9
Macro Focus Range	2cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	230k dots	920k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic	None
Viewfinder Coverage	99%	n/a
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/1700s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift	Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	4.40 m	9.30 m
Max Flash Sync	s	n/a
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	1.0 fps	7.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	Motion JPEG	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	337g	226g
Dimensions	110 x 73 x 81mm	106 x 69 x 40mm
Battery Life	n/a	200 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction