Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FP1

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic FP1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and FP1 (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was introduced 3 years after the FP1 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up against the FP1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FP1 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS enjoys outer measurements 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 FP1 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic FP1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS compared to the FP1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and FP1 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to envision the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading specifications. The image below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and FP1.

Plainly, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to offer greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The newer SZ-16 iHS is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.