Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony A350

Following is a extended analysis of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony A350, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the A350 (14MP) is fairly similar but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and A350 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-16 iHS was released 4 years after the A350 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A350 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up against the A350 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Alpha DSLR-A350. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony A350 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS enjoys outside measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony A350 has dimensions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 674 grams (1.49 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony A350 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the A350.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and A350 is 89 and 62 respectively.

Usually, its tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizes simply by going over specs. The picture below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and A350.

All in all, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-16 iHS featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will offer extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher SZ-16 iHS will have a benefit in sensor technology.