Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony W290

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony W290, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and W290 (12MP) but they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was manufactured 3 years later than the W290 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up against the W290 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Sony W290 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS offers exterior measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony W290 has proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony W290 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the W290.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and W290 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specs. The graphic here should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and W290.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to deliver extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more modern SZ-16 iHS should have an advantage in sensor tech.