Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony A290

Let's examine more closely at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Sony A290, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-16 iHS was revealed 2 years later than the A290 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SZ-16 iHS grades vs the A290 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has outer measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Sony A290 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the A290.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and A290 is 89 and 66 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements merely by checking specs. The graphic here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-16 iHS and A290.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will give you extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The newer SZ-16 iHS provides a benefit in sensor technology.