Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GX9

The following is a detailed overview of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GX9, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the GX9 (20MP) is very similar but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and GX9 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-16 iHS was launched 6 years prior to the GX9 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS grades vs the GX9 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic GX9 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera often, you have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has got outer measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic GX9 has specifications of 124mm x 72mm x 47mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 407 grams (0.90 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GX9 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the GX9.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and GX9 is 89 and 82 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reading technical specs. The image below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and GX9.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-16 iHS featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GX9 will offer more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.