Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Pentax K-S1

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax K-S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) provide different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-16 iHS was launched 19 months before the K-S1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up against the K-S1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Pentax K-S1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera often, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has outside dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has proportions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax K-S1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the K-S1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and K-S1 is 89 and 69 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements simply by looking at technical specs. The visual underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and K-S1.

As you have seen, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh harder and the Pentax K-S1 will give extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.