Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony WX500

Following is a in depth analysis of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony WX500, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the WX500 (18MP) is very comparable and both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was announced 3 years earlier than the WX500 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS scores against the WX500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Sony WX500 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS offers external dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony WX500 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony WX500 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-16 iHS compared to the WX500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and WX500 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes only by going through specs. The image underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and WX500.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Sony WX500 to produce extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.