Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Olympus. The resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) is pretty similar but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-M1 was announced 10 months later than the SZ-16 iHS so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-M1 scores against the SZ-16 iHS for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M1 provides physical dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") along with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-16 iHS has measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-M1 compared to the SZ-16 iHS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and SZ-16 iHS is 71 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to see the difference between sensor sizing simply by reviewing specs. The graphic here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 and SZ-16 iHS.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-M1 features the bigger sensor which will make getting shallow DOF simpler. The newer E-M1 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.