Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Samsung NX5

The following is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Samsung NX5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Samsung. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is fairly well matched but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-16 iHS was brought out 2 years after the NX5 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the SZ-16 iHS scores against the NX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Samsung NX5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features outer dimensions 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 Samsung NX5 has measurements of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") having a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Samsung NX5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the NX5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and NX5 is 89 and 80 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by looking at specifications. The pic below will give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and NX5.

Plainly, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-16 iHS due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will give you extra detail having its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The younger SZ-16 iHS is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.