Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Ricoh WG-20

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Ricoh WG-20, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the WG-20 (14MP) is relatively close and both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was unveiled 13 months prior to the WG-20 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SZ-16 iHS grades against the WG-20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Ricoh WG-20. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Ricoh WG-20 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS provides outer dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Ricoh WG-20 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Ricoh WG-20 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the WG-20.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and WG-20 is 89 and 93 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements only by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and WG-20.

As you can see, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to render extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.