Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sigma DP2 Quattro

In this article, we will be matching up the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Sigma DP2 Quattro, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the DP2 Quattro (20MP) is pretty close but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and DP2 Quattro (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-16 iHS was unveiled 13 months before the DP2 Quattro which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Quattro being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SZ-16 iHS scores against the DP2 Quattro with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sigma DP2 Quattro. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Sigma DP2 Quattro Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features outside measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP2 Quattro has specifications of 161mm x 67mm x 82mm (6.3" x 2.6" x 3.2") having a weight of 395 grams (0.87 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Sigma DP2 Quattro in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the DP2 Quattro.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and DP2 Quattro is 89 and 70 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions merely by looking through specs. The pic here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and DP2 Quattro.

All in all, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-16 iHS with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh trickier and the Sigma DP2 Quattro will render more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.