Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony A100

Here is a comprehensive review of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony A100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and A100 (10MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-16 iHS was brought out 6 years later than the A100 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the SZ-16 iHS grades versus the A100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony A100 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS offers external dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony A100 has dimensions of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony A100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the A100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and A100 is 89 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by reviewing technical specs. The graphic here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and A100.

As you have seen, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-16 iHS because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will offer extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The newer SZ-16 iHS provides an edge in sensor tech.