Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony QX1

Following is a extended review of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Sony QX1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Lens-style by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is fairly close but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-16 iHS was introduced 20 months earlier than the QX1 making them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS scores versus the QX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Alpha QX1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony QX1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS offers exterior measurements 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 QX1 has sizing of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Sony QX1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS compared to the QX1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and QX1 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes merely by viewing technical specs. The pic here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-16 iHS and QX1.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-16 iHS with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony QX1 will render more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.