Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony RX10 II

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony RX10 II, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the RX10 II (20MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and RX10 II (1") posses different sensor size.

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

The SZ-16 iHS was unveiled 3 years earlier than the RX10 II which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 II being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the SZ-16 iHS scores versus the RX10 II when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony RX10 II Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera, you need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has got external measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 II has specifications of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") and a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony RX10 II in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the SZ-16 iHS compared to the RX10 II.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and RX10 II is 89 and 58 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes purely by looking at specs. The pic below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-16 iHS and RX10 II.

All in all, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ-16 iHS with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony RX10 II will resolve extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS is going to be behind in sensor innovation.