Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony A500

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony A500, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and A500 (12MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor size.

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The SZ-16 iHS was manufactured 3 years later than the A500 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SZ-16 iHS scores against the A500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony A500 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features exterior measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony A500 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony A500 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS compared to the A500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and A500 is 89 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing only by checking a spec sheet. The graphic here might offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-16 iHS and A500.

As you can see, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-16 iHS because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh harder and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will give you greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more recent SZ-16 iHS provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.