Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony NEX-5N

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony NEX-5N, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-16 iHS was revealed 16 months later than the NEX-5N which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SZ-16 iHS grades against the NEX-5N in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS offers outside dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony NEX-5N in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the NEX-5N.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and NEX-5N is 89 and 89 respectively.

Often, its tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements simply by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and NEX-5N.

As you can see, both the cameras provide the same resolution albeit different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS comes with the tinier sensor which is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier. The fresher SZ-16 iHS provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.