Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Pentax X90

Below, we are analyzing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax X90, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and X90 (12MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was introduced 2 years after the X90 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up against the X90 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Pentax X90. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Pentax X90 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS comes with outer measurements 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 X90 has sizing of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") and a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Pentax X90 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the X90.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and X90 is 89 and 69 respectively.

Often, its difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes simply by seeing a spec sheet. The pic below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-16 iHS and X90.

Clearly, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different MP. You can expect to see the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to produce extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more recent SZ-16 iHS provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.