Olympus E-510 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

On this page, we are comparing the Olympus E-510 versus Olympus SZ-16 iHS, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are offered by Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") offer different sensor dimensions.

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The E-510 was manufactured 6 years before the SZ-16 iHS and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-510 matches up against the SZ-16 iHS in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-510 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-510 has got exterior dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-16 iHS has specifications of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-510 versus Olympus SZ-16 iHS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-510 and the SZ-16 iHS.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-510 and SZ-16 iHS is 69 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing only by seeing specs. The photograph here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-510 and SZ-16 iHS.

All in all, each of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-510 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will show extra detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images more aggressively. The older E-510 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.