Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic ZS200

Below is a detailed review of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic ZS200, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the ZS200 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and ZS200 (1") enjoy different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-16 iHS was launched 6 years earlier than the ZS200 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short introduction of how the SZ-16 iHS scores against the ZS200 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic ZS200 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features physical dimensions 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 ZS200 has sizing of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") and a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic ZS200 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the ZS200.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and ZS200 is 89 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor measurements purely by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and ZS200.

As you can see, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic ZS200 will show extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.