Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic S5

Its time to look closer at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic S5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and S5 (24MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and S5 (Full frame) provide different sensor size.

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The SZ-16 iHS was revealed 8 years prior to the S5 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SZ-16 iHS scores against the S5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic S5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has exterior measurements 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 S5 has specifications of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") and a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic S5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ-16 iHS compared to the S5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and S5 is 89 and 60 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions simply by checking out specifications. The image below might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and S5.

Plainly, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-16 iHS having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic S5 will show more detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS will be behind with regard to sensor technology.