Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony HX5

Below, we are matching up the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony HX5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-16 iHS was launched 2 years after the HX5 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a short view of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up vs the HX5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you should factor 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) whilst the Sony HX5 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony HX5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the HX5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and HX5 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading a spec sheet. The picture underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and HX5.

Clearly, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ-16 iHS because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The younger SZ-16 iHS will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.