Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony QX100

In this article, we are analyzing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony QX100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Lens-style by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the QX100 (20MP) is fairly close but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and QX100 (1") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-16 iHS was launched 8 months prior to the QX100 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up against the QX100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony QX100 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS comes with physical dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony QX100 has sizing of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") and a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony QX100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the QX100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and QX100 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor measurements only by looking through specs. The photograph underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and QX100.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony QX100 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.