Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Pentax K-1

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax K-1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-16 iHS was manufactured 4 years prior to the K-1 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SZ-16 iHS grades versus the K-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Pentax K-1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features outer measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 has specifications of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") and a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax K-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the K-1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and K-1 is 89 and 55 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements merely by researching a spec sheet. The graphic here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and K-1.

As you can see, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-1 will provide you with greater detail due to its extra 20 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots much more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.