Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony RX100

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony RX100, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is pretty comparable but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-16 iHS was revealed 5 months after the RX100 so they are of a similar age. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the SZ-16 iHS grades vs the RX100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony RX100 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has 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) while the Sony RX100 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony RX100 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the RX100.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and RX100 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes purely by checking out a spec sheet. The pic underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and RX100.

As you can see, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ-16 iHS with its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Sony RX100 will produce greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively.