Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FS15

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FS15, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and FS15 (12MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was brought out 4 years later than the FS15 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the SZ-16 iHS grades vs the FS15 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic FS15 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has outside dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic FS15 has sizing of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FS15 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the FS15.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and FS15 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Often, its difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by seeing technical specs. The photograph below will give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and FS15.

As you can tell, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to produce more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The newer SZ-16 iHS is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.