Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony RX1

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony RX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-16 iHS was revealed at a similar time to the RX1 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SZ-16 iHS scores against the RX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS enjoys external measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony RX1 has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony RX1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the RX1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and RX1 is 89 and 79 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to see the gap between sensor measurements just by going over a spec sheet. The visual underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-16 iHS and RX1.

Clearly, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Sony RX1 will offer extra detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively.