Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony NEX-5

Lets look closer at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly similar but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-16 iHS was revealed 2 years later than the NEX-5 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up against the NEX-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features external measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the NEX-5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and NEX-5 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to see the difference between sensor sizing just by reviewing specifications. The visual underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and NEX-5.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-16 iHS with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will offer you extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The fresher SZ-16 iHS will have an edge in sensor tech.