Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000

Below is a extensive analysis of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the FZ1000 (20MP) is pretty similar but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and FZ1000 (1") offer different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-16 iHS was launched 17 months earlier than the FZ1000 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise view of how the SZ-16 iHS scores vs the FZ1000 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS provides external dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ1000 has dimensions of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") accompanied by a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the FZ1000.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and FZ1000 is 89 and 55 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to picture the gap between sensor measurements just by going over specifications. The visual below should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and FZ1000.

To sum up, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic FZ1000 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS is going to be behind in sensor technology.