Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Zeiss ZX1

Here is a extended overview of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Zeiss ZX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Zeiss. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) provide totally different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SZ-16 iHS was released 6 years before the ZX1 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up vs the ZX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has outside measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Zeiss ZX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS vs the ZX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and ZX1 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing purely by checking out technical specs. The photograph below will give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-16 iHS and ZX1.

As you can tell, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-16 iHS featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Zeiss ZX1 will provide extra detail as a result of its extra 21 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.