Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Pentax Q-S1

Here is a extended comparison of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-16 iHS was manufactured 19 months earlier than the Q-S1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up against the Q-S1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax Q-S1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has got exterior 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) and the Pentax Q-S1 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax Q-S1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the Q-S1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and Q-S1 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing merely by viewing specifications. The graphic below might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and Q-S1.

To sum up, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-16 iHS due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will render greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.