Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony A580

Its time to take a deeper look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Sony A580, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the A580 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and A580 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-16 iHS was brought out 20 months later than the A580 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SZ-16 iHS scores versus the A580 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony A580 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS enjoys physical measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony A580 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Sony A580 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the A580.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and A580 is 89 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements just by checking specs. The photograph underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and A580.

All in all, each of these cameras offer the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS provides the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field harder. The younger SZ-16 iHS is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.