Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Sony A58

The following is a detailed review of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Sony A58, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the A58 (20MP) is relatively close but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-16 iHS was introduced 10 months prior to the A58 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up against the A58 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony SLT-A58. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS offers external measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony A58 has dimensions of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") and a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Sony A58 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS vs the A58.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and A58 is 89 and 68 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions simply by looking through specs. The pic underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-16 iHS and A58.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-16 iHS with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony A58 will render more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.