Olympus FE-5020 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

The following is a extensive review of the Olympus FE-5020 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Olympus. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the FE-5020 (12MP) and SZ-16 iHS (16MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FE-5020 was announced 4 years earlier than the SZ-16 iHS which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the FE-5020 matches up versus the SZ-16 iHS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus FE-5020 & Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus FE-5020 Gallery & Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus FE-5020 has external dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs) while 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).

Check the Olympus FE-5020 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the FE-5020 versus the SZ-16 iHS.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FE-5020 and SZ-16 iHS is 95 and 89 respectively.

Normally, its tough to picture the difference between sensor dimensions merely by going over technical specs. The image underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the FE-5020 and SZ-16 iHS.

As you can tell, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size but different MP. You can anticipate the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to deliver greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged FE-5020 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.