Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic G9

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic G9, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the G9 (20MP) is very similar but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and G9 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-16 iHS was manufactured 5 years before the G9 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SZ-16 iHS grades vs the G9 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DC-G9. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic G9 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS comes with outside measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic G9 has proportions of 137mm x 97mm x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") and a weight of 658 grams (1.45 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic G9 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS vs the G9.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and G9 is 89 and 62 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and G9.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-16 iHS due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic G9 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics much more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.