Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Olympus XZ-1

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Olympus XZ-1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Olympus. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-16 iHS was released 24 months after the XZ-1 making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS grades against the XZ-1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Olympus XZ-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has external measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-1 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Olympus XZ-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the SZ-16 iHS vs the XZ-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and XZ-1 is 89 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reading specifications. The pic below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and XZ-1.

To sum up, both of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-16 iHS due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images more aggressively. The more modern SZ-16 iHS will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.