Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FH22

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic FH22, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the FH22 (14MP) is pretty similar and both cameras provide the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-16 iHS was released 3 years later than the FH22 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up against the FH22 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic FH22 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS comes with outer dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH22 has specifications of 100mm x 57mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") along with a weight of 170 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic FH22 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS vs the FH22.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and FH22 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Often, it's hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing just by reviewing specifications. The graphic here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and FH22.

Plainly, the 2 cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more modern SZ-16 iHS is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.