Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic GH4

Let's examine more closely at the Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic GH4, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the GH4 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and GH4 (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-15 was brought out 7 months earlier than the GH4 so they are both of a similar age. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short view of how the SZ-15 matches up against the GH4 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-15 comes with external 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 GH4 has specifications of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") and a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic GH4 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-15 versus the GH4.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and GH4 is 88 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by checking technical specs. The photograph below might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-15 and GH4.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses the exact same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The SZ-15 uses the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF tougher. The older SZ-15 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.