Leica V-Lux 4 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

In this write-up, we are matching up the Leica V-Lux 4 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Leica and Olympus. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the V-Lux 4 (12MP) and SZ-16 iHS (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The V-Lux 4 was released 3 months before the SZ-16 iHS and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Leica V-Lux 4 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the V-Lux 4 matches up against the SZ-16 iHS for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica V-Lux 4 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The complete galleries are viewable at Leica V-Lux 4 Gallery and Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Leica V-Lux 4 features outer dimensions of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") and a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-16 iHS has dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Leica V-Lux 4 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the V-Lux 4 versus the SZ-16 iHS.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the V-Lux 4 and SZ-16 iHS is 65 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions just by reviewing a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the V-Lux 4 and SZ-16 iHS.

As you can see, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to offer extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics far more aggressively.