Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic G1

Let's look closer at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic G1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and G1 (12MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and G1 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-16 iHS was revealed 4 years after the G1 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up vs the G1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic G1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS offers external measurements 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 G1 has measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") along with a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic G1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the G1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and G1 is 89 and 82 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to picture the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The pic here might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and G1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-16 iHS with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will offer you greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The newer SZ-16 iHS should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.