Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony RX10

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony RX10, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the RX10 (20MP) is pretty similar but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") come with different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-16 iHS was released 14 months earlier than the RX10 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up versus the RX10 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony RX10 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features 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) while the Sony RX10 has measurements of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") along with a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony RX10 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the RX10.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and RX10 is 89 and 58 respectively.

Often, it is tough to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over technical specs. The picture underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and RX10.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-16 iHS due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony RX10 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.