Canon S120 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

On this page, we will be evaluating the Canon S120 versus Olympus SZ-16 iHS, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Olympus. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the S120 (12MP) and SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the S120 (1/1.7") and SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizing.

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The S120 was introduced 11 months after the SZ-16 iHS so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the S120 scores versus the SZ-16 iHS for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot S120 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The whole galleries are provided at Canon S120 Gallery and Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon S120 comes with exterior dimensions of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-16 iHS has proportions 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 S120 versus Olympus SZ-16 iHS in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the S120 against the SZ-16 iHS.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the S120 and SZ-16 iHS is 92 and 89 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by seeing specs. The image below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the S120 and SZ-16 iHS.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The S120 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will show greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs more aggressively. The fresher S120 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.