Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GH5S

Below, we are looking at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic GH5S, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and GH5S (10MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and GH5S (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-16 iHS was announced 6 years before the GH5S and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH5S being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS scores versus the GH5S in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic GH5S Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS comes with outer dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH5S has sizing of 139mm x 98mm x 87mm (5.5" x 3.9" x 3.4") with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic GH5S in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the GH5S.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and GH5S is 89 and 62 respectively.

Often, it's tough to see the contrast in sensor sizing purely by going through a spec sheet. The visual below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and GH5S.

As you can see, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ-16 iHS with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will provide extra detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.