Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FH2

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic FH2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the FH2 (14MP) is very similar and they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was unveiled 2 years after the FH2 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SZ-16 iHS scores against the FH2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic FH2 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS offers outer dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic FH2 has sizing of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic FH2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the FH2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and FH2 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes just by going over a spec sheet. The pic underneath will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and FH2.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to offer greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more modern SZ-16 iHS is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.