Olympus E-1 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

Here is a extended review of the Olympus E-1 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS, former being a Pro DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are designed by Olympus. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-1 was announced 10 years before the SZ-16 iHS and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-1 grades versus the SZ-16 iHS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-1 & Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-1 Gallery & Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-1 enjoys outer measurements of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS has proportions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-1 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-1 versus the SZ-16 iHS.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-1 and SZ-16 iHS is 59 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing simply by seeing specifications. The graphic underneath will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-1 and SZ-16 iHS.

Plainly, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-1 having a larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will provide extra detail with its extra 11 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older E-1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.