Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic GH5 II

Here, we will be matching up the Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic GH5 II, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the GH5 II (20MP) is pretty similar but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and GH5 II (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-15 was revealed 9 years earlier than the GH5 II and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH5 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SZ-15 grades vs the GH5 II when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Panasonic GH5 II Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-15 comes with outer dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Panasonic GH5 II has dimensions of 139mm x 98mm x 87mm (5.5" x 3.9" x 3.4") and a weight of 727 grams (1.60 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic GH5 II in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SZ-15 and the GH5 II.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and GH5 II is 88 and 59 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specs. The visual below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-15 and GH5 II.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-15 having a tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic GH5 II will deliver greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older SZ-15 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.