Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony HX99

Below is a complete review of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is very similar but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) possess different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-16 iHS was announced 6 years prior to the HX99 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the SZ-16 iHS grades against the HX99 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony HX99 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features physical measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony HX99 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony HX99 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 have at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS vs the HX99.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and HX99 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Generally, its hard to imagine the difference between sensor measurements only by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and HX99.

Clearly, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony HX99 will offer greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS is going to be behind in sensor innovation.