Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Pentax K-r

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax K-r, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and K-r (12MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-16 iHS was announced 23 months after the K-r making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SZ-16 iHS scores vs the K-r with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax K-r. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS offers physical measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax K-r has dimensions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax K-r in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ-16 iHS compared to the K-r.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and K-r is 89 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes only by looking at technical specs. The pic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and K-r.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-16 iHS with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will resolve greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The younger SZ-16 iHS should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.