Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000 II

Its time to look much closer at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000 II, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the FZ1000 II (20MP) is pretty similar but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and FZ1000 II (1") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-16 iHS was launched 7 years before the FZ1000 II and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 II being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up vs the FZ1000 II in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FZ1000 II Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features outer measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ1000 II has proportions of 136mm x 97mm x 132mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 5.2") accompanied by a weight of 808 grams (1.78 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000 II in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the FZ1000 II.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and FZ1000 II is 89 and 55 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The photograph below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-16 iHS and FZ1000 II.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-16 iHS due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic FZ1000 II will offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.