Nikon L21 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

Lets take a more detailed look at the Nikon L21 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Nikon and Olympus. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the L21 (8MP) and SZ-16 iHS (16MP) but both cameras have the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The L21 was launched 3 years prior to the SZ-16 iHS which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the L21 matches up versus the SZ-16 iHS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L21 & Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon L21 Gallery & Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon L21 provides exterior dimensions of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-16 iHS has measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Nikon L21 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the L21 and the SZ-16 iHS.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the L21 and SZ-16 iHS is 93 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizes simply by looking through a spec sheet. The pic here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the L21 and SZ-16 iHS.

Clearly, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to render extra detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged L21 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.