Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Pentax K-3

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Pentax K-3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-16 iHS was released 15 months earlier than the K-3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the SZ-16 iHS scores vs the K-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax K-3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS enjoys exterior dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Pentax K-3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at the time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS compared to the K-3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and K-3 is 89 and 59 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizing just by researching specifications. The graphic here might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and K-3.

Plainly, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-16 iHS because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-3 will result in greater detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS will be behind in sensor tech.