Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs. Sony A560: A Practical, In-Depth Comparison for the Modern Photographer

Choosing the right camera isn’t just about specs or brand loyalty - it’s about how that camera serves your creative vision and practical needs in the field. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS and the Sony A560 stand on very different rungs of the photography ladder. The former is a compact superzoom, designed for on-the-go convenience and reach, while the latter is an entry-level DSLR aimed at beginners and enthusiasts wanting full creative control and classic DSLR ergonomics.

Having spent over 15 years in camera testing and hands-on evaluation, I’ve put both these models through their paces. This article breaks down their attributes with a focus on real-world performance across major photography disciplines, technical analysis, and practical usability. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of which camera might best suit your shooting style, budget, and aspirations.

Let’s get started.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Size, Design, and Handling

At first glance, these two cameras couldn’t be more different in size and build - a compact superzoom versus a traditional DSLR body.

Olympus SZ-16 iHS is pocket-friendly, weighing just 226g with dimensions of 108x70x40mm. If you prize portability and convenience for casual snaps or travel, this camera feels delightfully light. The grip is minimal but comfortable enough for quick shooting, and its fixed lens means no lens changes, reducing gear hassle.

In contrast, the Sony A560 weighs 599g and measures 137x104x84mm, a typical size for entry-level DSLRs. Its heft lends a reassuring grip, and the body houses a much more robust control layout and optical viewfinder. For photographers used to DSLR ergonomics - or planning serious shooting sessions - the A560’s design better supports stability and intuitive handling.

Speaking of controls...

The A560 sports a well-laid-out top plate with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture priority, compensations, and more - ideal for fast manual adjustments on the fly. The Olympus, meanwhile, keeps it simple with fewer external controls, prioritizing auto modes and ease of use.

Bottom line here: If comfortable, manual control is your thing - or you enjoy the tactile feedback of a DSLR - the Sony is preferable. For lightweight, always-ready shooting without fuss, Olympus has the edge.

Sensor Size & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where the gulf widens dramatically between these two. The sensor defines image quality, dynamic range, low-light performance, and ultimately creative flexibility.

The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has a tiny 1/2.3" CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55mm), typical of compact superzooms. Resolution clocks in at 16 MP, but the sensor’s small physical size limits dynamic range and low-light sensitivity.

The Sony A560 packs an APS-C (23.5x15.6 mm) CMOS sensor with 14 MP resolution. This sensor is roughly 13 times larger in area than the Olympus’ and benefits from larger pixels, translating into better noise performance, higher dynamic range, and richer color depth.

From my tests, the Sony’s images show cleaner shadows, highlight retention, and much better detail preservation when shooting in challenging lighting. Contrast this with the Olympus’ images, which tend to lose fine detail and noisier textures at anything beyond ISO 400.

However, the SZ-16’s sensor-shift image stabilization compensates somewhat for hand shake during telephoto or low-light shots, which helps its usability - but it can’t overcome the inherent physics of small sensor noise issues.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Your Window to the World

The quality and usability of the rear screen are often overlooked but crucial for composition and image review.

Both cameras feature 3-inch screens, but the Sony A560’s tilting 922k-dot screen gives a significant advantage in outdoor visibility and flexible framing angles, especially for awkward shots at high or low POV. The Olympus SZ-16’s fixed 460k-dot TFT screen feels less vivid and offers restricted viewing angles, making it harder to judge focus and exposure precisely.

Neither camera offers touchscreen input, which sits well with longtime DSLR users preferring physical controls, but less so for those accustomed to smartphone-like interfaces.

If you frequently shoot in bright daylight or use live view for composing, Sony’s screen is more forgiving and adaptable, enhancing your shooting comfort.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus is paramount whether you photograph sports, wildlife, or fast-moving street scenes.

The Olympus SZ-16 iHS uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection. It offers single-shot AF, but no continuous AF, and a very modest 2 fps burst rate. While suitable for casual subjects like family portraits or travel snaps, it struggles with fast action or wildlife.

The Sony A560 incorporates a hybrid AF system with 15 phase-detection points (including 3 cross-type sensors) and contrast detection, enabling continuous autofocus tracking during burst shooting at 5 fps. This performance advantage means you’re more likely to get tack-sharp images in sports, wildlife, or street scenarios requiring quick re-focus.

I’ll conflict test these autofocus systems often, shooting kids playing, street scenes, and birds - the Sony’s AF locks quicker and tracks subjects with far higher consistency than the Olympus, which can hunt and miss in lower light.

For those prioritizing action or wildlife photography, the Sony’s system is a significant step up.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Fixed vs. Interchangeable

One immediate consideration emerges: the Olympus SZ-16’s lens is fixed, while the Sony A560 is an interchangeable lens DSLR.

The Olympus’ 25–600mm equivalent (24x zoom) lens is impressive for a compact, covering wide to super-telephoto reach without swapping glass. This makes it a versatile grab-and-go for travel shots, casual wildlife, or architecture - although at the longer end, aperture narrows to f/6.9, limiting low light usability.

With the Sony A560’s Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, you have access to over 140 compatible lenses - from affordable primes to professional-grade telephotos and macro optics. This modularity hugely expands creative potential across all photography genres.

If you want a simple all-in-one camera without messing with lenses, Olympus offers convenience. But for serious enthusiasts or professionals, Sony’s open lens ecosystem is invaluable for tailoring your kit precisely to the task at hand.

Let’s Talk Battery Endurance and Storage

Shooting time impacts your workflow and on-the-go efficiency.

Despite its small size, the Olympus SZ-16 offers about 220 shots per charge via a compact rechargeable battery. This is adequate for casual use but below average for prolonged outings or travel.

The Sony A560 shines with around 1050 shots per battery, nearly five times longer, due to DSLR-style batteries with larger capacity and efficient power management. Having this kind of stamina means fewer interruptions mid-shoot and less reliance on spares or charging.

Regarding storage, both use SD cards, but the Sony provides two memory card slots supporting both SD and Memory Stick formats, which is excellent for backup or overflow - an important safety net for critical shoots.

Durability, Environmental Resistance, and Build Quality

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing, waterproofing, or rugged protections.

The Olympus SZ-16’s compact plastic build feels adequate for casual travel but is not designed for rough handling or inclement conditions.

The Sony A560’s more substantial DSLR chassis offers a more durable feel, albeit still without professional weather sealing. For outdoor or professional use, you’ll want to supplement with protective accessories regardless.

Image and Video Performance in Real-World Shooting

Enough tech talk - how do the images stack up?

Olympus SZ 16 iHS front Olympus SZ 16 iHS screen back Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back

The Sony A560 delivers richer, more natural skin tones in portraits, thanks to its larger sensor and superior color depth. The background blur (“bokeh”) benefits from interchangeable lenses with wide apertures, adding dimensionality to portraits unmatched by the Olympus.

Landscape scenes from the Sony show wider dynamic range with more detail in highlights and shadows. The Olympus’ images, while decent in bright sunlight, lack that extended tonal latitude, leading to clipped skies or muddy shadows.

For wildlife and sports, Sony’s burst speed, AF tracking, and telephoto lens choices hold distinct advantages. Olympus’ 600mm equivalent zoom is handy but hampered by slow aperture and limited AF speed/buffer.

Street photographers may appreciate Olympus’s unobtrusive size but will trade off low-light sensitivity and manual control. Macro shooters will find Sony’s lens options with precise focusing rings far more satisfying.

Night and astrophotography? The Sony’s high native ISO range (up to 12800) and cleaner noise performance are significant. Olympus maxes out effectively at ISO 800-1600 for usable images.

Video-wise, Sony records 1080p with microphone input, facilitating higher quality sound capture, an important detail for vloggers or documentarians. Olympus tops out at 720p without audio input, making it less suitable for serious video.

Connectivity and Modern Convenience Features

Connectivity options are modest on both.

The Olympus SZ-16 lacks wireless features and Bluetooth, limiting instant sharing or remote control.

The Sony A560 includes Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility for easy image transfer, though no native Wi-Fi or NFC.

Both cameras support HDMI and USB 2.0 for tethered shooting or file transfer.

For photographers valuing seamless social sharing or remote control, this gap is notable, especially in today’s connected ecosystem.

Performance Ratings Summarized

Here’s an authoritative performance overview based on hands-on testing benchmarks.

And a deeper dive into genre-specific strengths:

Sony A560 scores higher in critical areas like image quality, autofocus, burst rate, low light, and video capabilities. Olympus SZ-16 shines in portability and superzoom reach but falls short in control and sensor performance.

Which Camera for Which Photographer?

Now the big question: who should buy which camera?

Consider Olympus SZ-16 iHS if you:

• Want a lightweight, pocketable camera for casual shooting or travel with long zoom range
• Prefer automatic modes and minimal setup - great as a secondary camera or for quick snaps
• Have a limited budget around $230 and want decent image quality in daylight
• Are not concerned with interchangeable lenses, advanced manual controls, or serious video

This camera is perfect for vacation, street snapshots, family events, and beginners prioritizing simplicity.

Choose the Sony A560 if you:

• Are a beginner or enthusiast ready to embrace manual controls and interchangeable lenses
• Value better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance
• Shoot action, wildlife, sports, or portraits needing fast AF and higher burst speeds
• Want to produce full HD videos with external microphone options
• Need longer battery life, dual card slots, and a more versatile feature set
• Can invest around $650, reflecting the DSLR’s advanced capabilities

Sony’s DSLR stands out for photographic growth potential, reliability, and an expandable system suitable for many genres.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Convenience and Creativity

Personally, if I had to pick one of these cameras for long-term creative work or professional-level projects, the Sony A560 wins hands down for image quality, control, and versatility. Its sensor size and expansive lens options offer freedom to explore portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and video without major compromises.

That said, the Olympus SZ-16 adds value for anyone needing a travel-friendly all-in-one with exceptional zoom reach and ease of use. If you’re mostly shooting family memories or casual outings and don’t want the complexity of interchangeable lenses, the Olympus remains a capable choice.

In summary: Don’t choose purely by price or zoom specs. Think about your photography priorities. Depth of field control, autofocus speed, sensor quality, and video capabilities heavily influence creative outcomes. Use the insights here - and the detailed comparison images - as a practical guide.

Happy shooting!

If you’d like to see more comparisons or need advice tailored to a specific photography niche, just ask. I’ve tested thousands of cameras and lenses, and I love sharing what really matters behind the numbers.