Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony HX300

Its time to look a little more closely at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony HX300, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the HX300 (20MP) is very well matched and both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was launched about the same time to the HX300 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the SZ-16 iHS grades against the HX300 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has got outer measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony HX300 has sizing of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony HX300 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the HX300.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and HX300 is 89 and 63 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading through technical specs. The image underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and HX300.

As you have seen, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size but different MP. You should expect to see the Sony HX300 to resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively.