Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GH2

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GH2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-16 iHS was manufactured 22 months after the GH2 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS scores against the GH2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS provides outside measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic GH2 has specifications of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") with a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GH2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the GH2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and GH2 is 89 and 70 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes purely by reading through technical specs. The image here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and GH2.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizes. The SZ-16 iHS provides the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher. The more modern SZ-16 iHS will have a benefit in sensor tech.