Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FP2

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic FP2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the FP2 (14MP) is pretty similar and they use the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-16 iHS was launched 3 years later than the FP2 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up versus the FP2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FP2 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has got 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 FP2 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic FP2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the FP2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and FP2 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reviewing specifications. The graphic below should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and FP2.

Plainly, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to deliver more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The fresher SZ-16 iHS should have an advantage in sensor tech.