Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Olympus 1s

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Olympus 1s, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and both of them are offered by Olympus. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and 1s (12MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and 1s (1/1.7") posses different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-16 iHS was brought out 3 years earlier than the 1s which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple overview of how the SZ-16 iHS grades against the 1s when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Olympus Stylus 1s. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Olympus 1s Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has outer dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Olympus 1s has sizing of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") and a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Olympus 1s in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. The following is a front view size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS compared to the 1s.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and 1s is 89 and 79 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes just by going over specifications. The image below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and 1s.

Plainly, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ-16 iHS because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will deliver greater detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.