Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Pentax Q

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax Q, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and Q (12MP) but they feature the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-16 iHS was manufactured 19 months later than the Q which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SZ-16 iHS grades against the Q for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax Q. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has physical measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") having a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax Q in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the Q.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and Q is 89 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to picture the difference in sensor sizing only by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and Q.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to result in extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The younger SZ-16 iHS provides a benefit in sensor tech.