Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GH1

Below is a comprehensive overview of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GH1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and GH1 (12MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and GH1 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor size.

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The SZ-16 iHS was unveiled 3 years later than the GH1 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS scores vs the GH1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic GH1 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS provides 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 GH1 has sizing of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GH1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the GH1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and GH1 is 89 and 81 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements just by looking at technical specs. The visual here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and GH1.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS with its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will resolve greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The newer SZ-16 iHS provides an edge in sensor tech.