Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony NEX-F3

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony NEX-F3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the NEX-F3 (16MP) is very similar but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-F3 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-16 iHS was announced 5 months later than the NEX-F3 and they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-F3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the SZ-16 iHS grades versus the NEX-F3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features external dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony NEX-F3 has sizing of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony NEX-F3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the NEX-F3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and NEX-F3 is 89 and 86 respectively.

Generally, its tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reviewing specs. The visual here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and NEX-F3.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer the same exact resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS has the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier.