Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FZ2500

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic FZ2500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the FZ2500 (20MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and FZ2500 (1") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-16 iHS was unveiled 4 years prior to the FZ2500 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ2500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a short summation of how the SZ-16 iHS scores vs the FZ2500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic FZ2500 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. 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 FZ2500 has proportions of 138mm x 102mm x 135mm (5.4" x 4.0" x 5.3") with a weight of 915 grams (2.02 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic FZ2500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS compared to the FZ2500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and FZ2500 is 89 and 53 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes simply by going through specifications. The pic below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and FZ2500.

Plainly, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-16 iHS with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic FZ2500 will show extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.