Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony W290
88 Imaging
39 Features
50 Overall
43
94 Imaging
34 Features
28 Overall
31
Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony W290 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 23-483mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 250g - 108 x 70 x 40mm
- Released June 2013
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
- 167g - 98 x 57 x 23mm
- Released February 2009
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On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus SZ-15 versus Sony W290, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and W290 (12MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneThe SZ-15 was introduced 4 years after the W290 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the SZ-15 grades versus the W290 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
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Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Sony W290 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus SZ-15 over the Sony W290
| SZ-15 | W290 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | June 2013 | February 2009 | Newer by 53 months | |
| Screen resolution | 460k | 230k | Crisper screen (+230k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony W290 over the Olympus SZ-15
| W290 | SZ-15 |
|---|
Common features in the Olympus SZ-15 and Sony W290
| SZ-15 | W290 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | Dial accurate focus | |||
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Screen dimensions | 3" | 3" | Equal screen measurement | |
| Selfie screen | Lack of selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly screen | Lack of Touch friendly screen |
Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony W290 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to travel with your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-15 offers outside measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sony W290 has sizing of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).
Look at the Olympus SZ-15 versus Sony W290 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-15 against the W290.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and W290 is 88 and 94 respectively.
Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony W290 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it's hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by looking at a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-15 and W290.
Clearly, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Olympus SZ-15 to resolve extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures more aggressively. The more modern SZ-15 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.
Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony W290 Screen and ViewFinder
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Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony W290 Specifications
| Olympus SZ-15 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Manufacturer | Olympus | Sony |
| Model | Olympus SZ-15 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 |
| Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Compact |
| Released | 2013-06-21 | 2009-02-17 |
| Body design | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 16MP | 12MP |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Maximum resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
| Minimum native ISO | 100 | 80 |
| RAW data | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focus | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Autofocus single | ||
| Autofocus tracking | ||
| Autofocus selectice | ||
| Center weighted autofocus | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Live view autofocus | ||
| Face detection focus | ||
| Contract detection focus | ||
| Phase detection focus | ||
| Number of focus points | - | 9 |
| Cross focus points | - | - |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Lens focal range | 23-483mm (21.0x) | 28-140mm (5.0x) |
| Maximal aperture | f/2.8-5.9 | f/3.3-5.2 |
| Macro focus distance | 5cm | 10cm |
| Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen size | 3 inch | 3 inch |
| Screen resolution | 460 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch functionality | ||
| Screen tech | LCD | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Slowest shutter speed | 8s | 2s |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/1600s |
| Continuous shooting speed | 10.0 frames per sec | 2.0 frames per sec |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
| Change white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Integrated flash | ||
| Flash range | 3.50 m | 3.90 m |
| Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment exposure | ||
| Average exposure | ||
| Spot exposure | ||
| Partial exposure | ||
| AF area exposure | ||
| Center weighted exposure | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 480fps (176 x 128), 240fps (384 x 288) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
| Video format | AVI MPEG4, Motion JPEG | MPEG-4 |
| Microphone jack | ||
| Headphone jack | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | BuiltIn | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental seal | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 250g (0.55 lb) | 167g (0.37 lb) |
| Physical dimensions | 108 x 70 x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") | 98 x 57 x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
| Other | ||
| Battery model | SLB-10A | - |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Double) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
| Storage slots | One | One |
| Launch price | $200 | $230 |