Canon A3200 IS vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Canon A3200 IS and Olympus SZ-16 iHS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the A3200 IS (14MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) is pretty well matched and they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The A3200 IS was brought out 24 months before the SZ-16 iHS which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief view of how the A3200 IS grades vs the SZ-16 iHS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot A3200 IS and Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon A3200 IS Gallery and Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Canon A3200 IS offers external dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 149 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS has sizing of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

See the Canon A3200 IS and Olympus SZ-16 iHS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at the time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the A3200 IS versus the SZ-16 iHS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the A3200 IS and SZ-16 iHS is 95 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to visualise the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through specifications. The photograph below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the A3200 IS and SZ-16 iHS.

Plainly, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to give more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older A3200 IS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.