Olympus SZ-15 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Here is a complete analysis of the Olympus SZ-15 versus Ricoh GR Digital IV, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Ricoh. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and GR Digital IV (10MP) and the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-15 was brought out 22 months later than the GR Digital IV which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick view of how the SZ-15 matches up vs the GR Digital IV in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-15 and Ricoh GR Digital IV. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-15 comes with external dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Ricoh GR Digital IV has measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-15 versus Ricoh GR Digital IV in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-15 and the GR Digital IV.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-15 and GR Digital IV is 88 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing only by reading specs. The graphic here may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-15 and GR Digital IV.

All in all, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-15 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus SZ-15 will offer greater detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The newer SZ-15 should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.