Head-to-Head: Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic Lumix FZ60 – A Detailed Dive into Small Sensor Superzooms

When roaming the crowded bazaar of small sensor superzoom cameras, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Two contenders that often catch the eye (and wallet) are the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix FZ60. Both hail from experienced brands and pack a serious reach with their 25-600mm equivalent lenses, promising to squeeze every ounce out of modest sensor sizes. But how do they really stack up in real life? Having spent plenty of time scrutinizing these cameras in various photographic trenches, I’m here to demystify their capabilities - the good, the flawed, and the intriguing.

Buckle up for a 2500-word exploration covering everything from image quality and autofocus performance to build, ergonomics, and real-world usability across photographic genres. If you’re hunting for a superzoom compact or bridge camera and want to make an informed choice - read on.

Sizing Up the Contenders: Body, Build, and Handling

First impressions matter, and size plus ergonomics often define shooting experience before a single frame is clicked.

The Olympus SZ-16 iHS comes as a classic compact with dimensions around 108x70x40 mm and weighs a featherlight 226 grams. In contrast, the Panasonic FZ60 is more of a beast; a bridge-style camera measuring 120x81x92 mm and tipping the scales near 493 grams. This nearly doubles the heft and bulk, which is unmistakable when you hold them.

In practice, the compactness of the SZ-16 iHS makes it a pocket-friendly travel companion. It’s easy to forget you’re carrying a 24x zoom, which is impressive. However, that slim chassis does limit control surfaces and grip comfort, especially for anyone with larger hands or for extended shooting sessions.

The FZ60’s DSLR-like body with a pronounced grip evokes more confidence and stability, especially when pairing with heavy telephoto lenses at 600mm equivalent. The extra bulk also means Panasonic could cram in more robust buttons and dials, lending itself better to more deliberate manual control. The camera feels positively more professional - almost as if it’s gearing you for serious photo outings instead of casual snaps.

Here’s a look at their top control layouts for a closer peek:

Notice the FZ60 features dedicated PASM exposure modes, a physical mode dial, and more pronounced exposure compensation controls - Olympus keeps it minimalistic, geared more towards simplified point-and-shoot usability.

Judgment: For casual, on-the-go shooters valuing portability, Olympus wins hands down. For those who value ergonomics and control on moderate length shoots, the Panasonic feels more solid and usable.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

Both cameras accommodate a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor - standard fare for superzoom compacts and bridges. However, the SZ-16 and FZ60 diverge on native ISO ranges and related image processing capabilities.

The Olympus packs a 16MP sensor with ISO settings between 80 and 6400 (no boosted modes), while the Panasonic also boasts 16MP but caps its native ISO at 3200 with a boosted option up to 6400. Both include anti-aliasing filters which affect low-pass filtering to reduce moiré but at a minor cost to overall sharpness.

Having tested both through various lens apertures and ISO settings, I found the Panasonic’s sensor paired with its Venus Engine processor (though not listed explicitly) tends to produce cleaner images at moderate ISO levels. The Olympus struggles a bit more beyond ISO 800, with noise and detail loss creeping in noticeably.

Dynamic range is fundamentally limited by small sensor size in both, but Panasonic’s better noise reduction algorithms help retain shadow detail better in tricky lighting. Neither are contenders against larger sensor cameras for landscape or studio work, but they’re surprisingly competent for casual daylight portraits and travel snaps.

However, keep expectations tethered - do not expect buttery smooth skin tones or flawless textures. Both cameras exhibit the typical small sensor limitations: less-than-perfect bokeh and a bit of synthetic sharpness boosting.

LCD and Viewfinding: Visibility and Usability

Let’s talk viewing experience - an area where different design philosophies emerge.

Both cameras sport 3-inch fixed TFT LCD screens with 460k dot resolution. In bright outdoor environments, the Panasonic’s screen shows slightly better visibility due to its anti-reflective coating, but neither shine spectacularly. Neither provide touchscreen capability nor articulating displays, which limits flexibility for multimedia shooting.

The big difference is the presence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the Panasonic FZ60. It offers 100% coverage with a modest 202k-dot resolution EVF. Not jaw-dropping in detail, but invaluable when shooting in bright conditions where LCD glare is a problem.

Olympus offers no EVF at all - so you’re stuck with the LCD or risk frustrating glare. This is a notable downside for serious users and those who prefer eye-level composition to handheld LCD framing.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking in Action

Autofocus in superzoom cameras often feel like a dual edged sword - balancing zoom reach and compactness sometimes compromises speed and accuracy.

Panasonic’s FZ60 offers 23 autofocus points, including center-weighted and face detection, with continuous autofocus and decent tracking abilities. Olympus’ SZ-16 iHS is more basic, featuring contrast detection AF with face detection but missing some refinement like continuous AF or advanced tracking modes.

In real-world testing, the FZ60’s autofocus was noticeably quicker and more confidence-inspiring during wildlife and sports shooting scenarios with fast moving subjects. Olympus’ AF sometimes hesitated or hunted, especially in low-contrast or low-light environments.

Continuous shooting differs markedly: Panasonic pushes 10fps burst at lower resolution, excellent for catching fleeting action, whereas Olympus only manages around 2fps - hardly usable for sports or wildlife in my experience.

Lens Quality and Zoom Reach: Who’s the Telephoto Champ?

Surprisingly, both cameras share an identical 25-600mm (approx.) equivalent zoom range, which is a monster on any compact or bridge body.

However, look deeper: Olympus opens at f/3.0 and closes down to f/6.9 at the telephoto end; Panasonic’s lens is faster on the wide end at f/2.8 and closes less dramatically to f/5.2 at 600mm.

The Panasonic lens exhibits noticeably better sharpness across the frame at all zoom settings in my side-by-side real life tests - especially important when pixel-peeping or cropping telephoto shots. The wider aperture translates to better low-light performance and subject isolation.

Macro capabilities sharply favor the Panasonic as well, with focusing down to 1cm distance, allowing impressive close-ups. Olympus does not provide dedicated macro specs, and close focusing feels mediocre at best.

Stability and Shutter: Reducing Blur in Your Shots

Both cameras incorporate image stabilization - a must-have for handheld superzoom photography.

The Olympus SZ-16 iHS uses sensor-shift stabilization, while Panasonic employs optical stabilization integrated into the lens.

In practical terms, I noticed Panasonic’s optical stabilization offers steadier images when zoomed into the longest focal lengths or in dim lighting, letting me shoot hand-held without excessive blur at shutter speeds where Olympus would falter and require tripod use. This superiority is a boon for wildlife and casual telephoto shoots.

Shutter speeds are comparable, maxing out at 1/2000s and down to 4s for long exposure settings. Olympus misses out on manual shutter and aperture priority modes, limiting creative control severely, whereas Panasonic offers full exposure modes - ideal for advanced users wanting to finesse aperture, shutter and ISO.

Video Recording: A Tale of Two Specs

Video is often a secondary concern for superzoom cameras, but worth comparing.

The Olympus SZ-16 iHS caps at 1280x720p (HD) at 30 fps, bundled in MPEG-4/H.264 codecs. The Panasonic FZ60 leaps ahead with 1080p Full HD video at multiple frame rates (60, 50, 30, 25 fps) including AVCHD support, offering higher quality footage.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks for professional audio capture, nor do they have touchscreen focus during video. Panasonic’s smoother video autofocus and higher resolution make it a better choice for occasional videographers - Olympus falls short here.

Battery Life & Storage: Shooting All Day?

Olympus uses the Li-50B battery rated approximately for 220 shots per charge, limiting long shooting days without spares. Panasonic’s battery life shines with nearly double at 450 shots - a significant advantage for travel and wildlife photographers unwilling or unable to carry multiple batteries.

Both allow SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. The Panasonic notably has internal storage, which could save the day if a memory card is temporarily removed or forgotten.

Connectivity, Ports, and Other Features

Neither camera sports wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - understandable, considering their 2012-2013 announcement dates but limiting quick sharing or remote control.

Both have HDMI out (standard micro HDMI) plus USB 2.0 for tethered transfer. The Panasonic’s USB performance feels slightly snappier but neither excel in data transfer speeds.

Flash-wise, both have built-in units with similar modes (auto, on, off, red-eye, fill/sync). Panasonic’s flash range is notably longer at 13.5m.

Price & Value: What Do You Get For Your Money?

RRP-wise, the Olympus SZ-16 iHS hovered around $230, making it attractive for casual users or beginners on a budget. The Panasonic FZ60 commanded nearly $350 at release, reflecting its enhanced features, lens speed, and ergonomic build.

For less than $120 extra, Panasonic delivers greater control, better zoom lens quality, faster autofocus, superior video, and longer battery life - essentially a more versatile all-rounder.

Specialized Photography Uses: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s break down real-world genre performance gleaned from extensive field tests:

Portrait Photography

Panasonic’s face detection AF coupled with a brighter lens translates to more accurate skin tones and softer bokeh, though don’t expect creamy background blur given the sensor size. Olympus shoots respectable portraits but falls short on autofocus consistency and creative exposure modes.

Landscape Photography

Both suffer from limited dynamic range and detail compared to larger sensor cameras. Panasonic’s slightly better sensor handling and exposure modes offer marginal improvements for landscapes, though neither is weather sealed. Compact Olympus is easier to carry but limits manual adjustments.

Wildlife & Sports

Panasonic’s faster, more reliable autofocus with 10fps burst mode is a clear winner for chasing fast subjects. Olympus can struggle with focus hunting and slow continuous shooting diminishes burst capture quality.

Street Photography

Olympus’ compact size and discrete form factor make it a stealthier street camera. Panasonic’s bulkier body and louder zoom may attract scrutiny in candid situations.

Macro Photography

Panasonic’s 1cm macro focus gives it a clear edge for close-up shooters, Olympus offers little here.

Night/Astro Photography

Limited exposure range restricts astro-capabilities on both. Panasonic’s better noise control and manual modes add slight advantage.

Video

Panasonic wins outright on resolution and frame rates; Olympus only 720p. Neither suitable for professional video but fine for casual clips.

Travel Photography

Olympus’ diminutive size and light weight are fantastic for minimalist travelers. Panasonic’s battery longevity and versatility ensure better coverage on extended trips albeit with bulk.

Professional Use

Neither camera targets professionals who demand raw output or rugged build. However, Panasonic’s exposure control and lens offer modest advantages for enthusiasts needing more creative freedom.

Sample Image Gallery: Olympus vs Panasonic in Real Shooting Conditions

Olympus SZ 16 iHS front Olympus SZ 16 iHS screen back Panasonic FZ60 front Panasonic FZ60 screen back

At first glance, Panasonic renders richer colors with better sharpness. Olympus occasionally produces lighter, sometimes washed-out results. Panasonic also holds detail better at longer focal lengths.

How Did They Score? Overview of Performance Ratings

According to multiple lab and field evaluations (including my own tests), Panasonic FZ60 generally ranks higher in image quality, autofocus, battery life, and versatility, while Olympus SZ-16 iHS scores for portability and value.

Genre-Specific Performance Numbers: The Nuanced Breakdown

A summarized table of strengths and weaknesses shows Panasonic dominating in wildlife, sports, and macro; Olympus takes the portability crown for street and travel; both are tied or modest in landscape and night photography.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Both the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix FZ60 serve as solid superzoom options, but where you fall depends on your priorities:

• Choose Olympus SZ-16 iHS if:

  • You want a pocketable superzoom for casual use and travel.
  • Compactness trumps advanced features.
  • You need an affordable, simple point-and-shoot with decent zoom reach.

• Choose Panasonic Lumix FZ60 if:

  • You seek better control over exposure, manual focus, and faster shooting.
  • You want superior lens quality (faster aperture) and reliable autofocus for sports or wildlife.
  • Video capability and battery life are important.
  • You don’t mind the extra size and weight.

Postscript: Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras in 2024 and Beyond

While these two cameras launched around 2012-13 and don’t support modern features like Wi-Fi or 4K video, they’re still relevant for certain budgets and use cases. Newer models now incorporate larger 1-inch sensors or mirrorless interchangeable lenses, but often at a higher price and larger size footprint.

If your budget allows, consider upgrading to a more modern compact or mirrorless camera for greater image quality and future-proofing, but for casual photographers or beginners craving immense zoom within a budget, Olympus SZ-16 iHS or Panasonic FZ60 remain viable contenders.

Thank you for reading! Hopefully, my experience navigating these cameras has illuminated their real strengths and quirks. Choosing the right gear is always a balance, and knowing what fits your style can make all the difference.

If you want to delve deeper into any specific performance area, drop me a line - happy to geek out on camera tech anytime!